Mona Vale to Seaforth A8 road, Pittwater Road, on priority list for improvements

Plans for a series of overpasses or underpasses will be drawn up to fix pinch points along a notoriously congested northern beaches road.

Fixing one of the northern beaches’ worst roads is now regarded as being of national importance, according to an influential government advisory group.

The A8 corridor from Mona Vale to Seaforth, which runs along Pittwater Rd, Condamine St and Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation, has been added to Infrastructure Australia’s priority list.

Its inclusion is seen as a major win for the northern beaches.

Mayor Michael Regan said he had been pushing for action along that corridor since he was at Warringah Council.

He said the next step was for the council to draw up a comprehensive plan of upgrades across the Local Government Area.

The A8 corridor between Mona Vale and Seaforth follows Pittwater Rd, Condamine St and Burnt Creek Deviation. Picture: NSW Transport.

Councillor Regan said in particular there were multiple pinch points along the route that could benefit from grade separation – or in other words, an overpass or underpass, similar to that at the hospital.

“This is another great example of council’s capacity to articulate and lobby effectively for major infrastructure on the beaches,” Mayor Regan said.

“After meeting with Infrastructure Australia to understand the process, council put together a comprehensive LGA wide plan that addressed the major pinch points and congestion issues we all face.

“Thank you Infrastructure Australia, local MP Zali Steggall and the Federal government for acknowledging what we locals already know, that we have one of the most congested corridors in the country.

Mayor Michael Regan. Picture / Monique Harmer

“Our proposal to Infrastructure Australia included the need to address our pinch points along the corridor, such as in Dee Why and the need for a grade separation where Pittwater Rd meets Warringah Rd, at Warringah Mall and outside Brookvale Oval, and at the Wakehurst Parkway/Pittwater Rd and Mona Vale Rd/Pittwater Rd intersections.

“This is the beginning of what no doubt will be a long process but I am thrilled we have the green light to get the ball rolling so the extensive planning work can begin.”

The proposed Beaches Link tunnel, if it is built, will bypass Spit Bridge and Military Rd.

But councillors have previously expressed concerns that while the tunnel will improve driving times to the city, it won’t necessarily solve traffic issues on the northern beaches, hence the need for upgrades.

The A8 corridor, which sees motorists bumper to bumper in rush hour and often at weekends, was one of five most congested roads in Sydney in 2016.

Without action, it is forecast to remain one of the 10 most congested roads in Sydney in 2031.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury provides an update on rising petrol prices at a press conference on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Peter Khoury from the NRMA said the road had long been a “frustration for motorists”.

“This is a well known area for high congestion made worse during summer as it provides access to some of the most popular beaches in Sydney,” he said.

“It needs to be fixed.”

Infrastructure Australia Chief Executive Romilly Madew said: “As Covid-19 again challenges our communities and the global economic shocks associated with the pandemic continue to unfold, it is vital that the Australian Government and other potential investors have access to clear, independent advice on the infrastructure investments that will help our country build back stronger.

“The Infrastructure Priority List provides evidence-based advice to support an informed discussion about Australia’s investment priorities.

“It is a resource for governments as they look to respond to shocks and stresses such as the pandemic, natural disasters and security threats, but it also takes a forward-looking view to ensure we prioritise the right infrastructure investments, at the right time.”