North Sydney Council fears Military Road traffic chaos with B-Line
THE State Government’s $500 million B-Line bus service could worsen peak-hour traffic in the lower north shore, according to North Sydney Council.
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THE LOWER north shore’s worst traffic snarl is about to get even more jammed, North Sydney Council fears.
A raft of changes are planned for Spit and Military roads to make way for a new $500 million bus route.
The State Government is championing the B-Line as a solution for northern beaches commuters.
But the council isn’t as optimistic, saying that prioritising traffic flows along Military Rd will actually increase traffic capacity.
While this may reduce congestion in the short term the council says it will unlock “latent traffic demand”, create greater levels of congestion at pinch points and reduce the uptake of public transport.
“Staff remain concerned by the potential costs and minimal benefits associated with the current B-line proposals,” a report by council transport planner Nigel Turner said.
The council says it has repeatedly requested details from the Government on how reductions in traffic will be assured.
“This information ... has yet to be released to the public,” a council spokeswoman said.
The State Government has released advanced designs for the B-Line.
The plans for Spit and Military roads include road closures, partial purchase of private properties, changes to parking, new traffic lights and road widening.
There will be two B-Line stops at Spit Junction and Neutral Bay.
Transport for NSW hopes it will encourage commuters to leave the car at home.
“The community will also see some benefits from the proposed changes to Military Road, Spit Road and Spit Junction which are designed to improve bus journey times as well as the general traffic flow for all users,” a Transport for NSW spokeswoman said.
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The B-Line is subject to planning approval.
Construction is expected to start next year and continue to late 2018. The 17km express bus route will ferry commuters from Mona Vale to the Sydney CBD.
Meanwhile, the community is being invited to have their say on the road changes. Official documents are on display at the B-line website and the project team are holding several meetings for the public including one this Saturday at Mosman.
“We encourage the local community and stakeholders to review and have their say on
these plans,” said the local member for North Shore Jillian Skinner MP.
Submissions must be made to Transport for NSW before February 1.
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