Northern Beaches Tunnel works causing angst amongst residents and commuters
As part of works for the controversial Beaches Link tunnel, a major feeder route is set to be reduced to just one lane. It’s just one reason why some residents and commuters aren’t happy as they await further answers on what the elaborate project will entail.
Manly
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PEAK hour commuters on the northern beaches will still be able to use the busy Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation while the Beaches Link tunnel is being built at Balgowlah, road authorities have confirmed.
But a major feeder route — the Kitchener St bridge over the Deviation — is set to be reduced to just one lane for up to two years due to road works.
The overbridge, a popular link to the Wakehurst Parkway, carries 17,000 vehicles a day, including school buses, between Balgowlah and North Balgowlah.
And residents attending a community feedback and information session on the proposed
twin 7.2km, three-lane tunnels between Cammeray and Balgowlah, were advised that works above ground around Balgowlah could go on for more than four years.
At the same time opposition to the proposed link road through the Balgowlah golf course has ramped up with calls for the NSW Government to adopt alternative plans.
Residents fear the new link road, joining the Deviation with Sydney Rd at Maretimo St, would cause traffic snarls back to Condamine St and noise around Balgowlah Boys High School. There are also concerns that the construction of the tunnel portals in the middle of a widened Deviation would mean the loss of public green space around the golf course.
Motorway offices and a tunnel ventilation outlet are proposed on the golf course.
To give residents more opportunity to make their feelings to transport authorities known, Northern Beaches Council is hosting a forum with Mayor Michael Regan and councillors.
Mr Regan said the feedback from the forum at Balgowlah RSL on October 17 would help council finalises its submission on the Beaches Link to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).
“For the hundreds of commuters travelling to and from the city every day, a tunnel that knocks a half-hour off travel times sounds like bliss,” he said. “For others living near the construction zone and entry points, the prospect of the Beaches Link Tunnel may not be so attractive.
“We want to make sure that if any proposed tunnel project goes ahead, that our community’s views are heard and reflected in our submission.”
The Save Balgowlah Group said some residents were becoming frustrated that they were not receiving adequate information at community feedback sessions.
“At the moment we are not receiving consistent information about the effects the project will have and it is leading to a high level of anxiety and stress,” group spokeswoman Jo Casserly said.
RMS confirmed that there was no proposal to close the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation during the construction of the Beaches Link and that its shared pedestrian/cycle path would remain.
“Roads and Maritime Services is currently seeking feedback from the community on the proposed design. Feedback received will be taken into account as the reference design is finalised,” a spokesman said.
“Temporary and permanent impacts of the project, including details of construction timelines and methodologies, will be further developed once the reference design is finalised.
“All impacts will be presented in the Environmental Impact Statement, which will be publicly displayed and any member of the community will be able to make a submission on any aspect of the project.”
To register for the Council forum go to northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
