Military Rd: Business owners speak out after State Government blocks public input into roadway review
Prominent business owners are speaking out against the state government after it was revealed a major review of one of Sydney’s worst roadways won’t be open for public input.
North Shore
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The NSW Government is facing fury after it was revealed a major review of one of Sydney’s worst roadways won’t be open for public input.
Residents and business owners in Sydney’s north will not be able to provide submissions to Transport for NSW as part of its current review to identify “road network improvements” to the notorious Military Rd corridor.
The review was launched earlier this year in response to the state government’s decision to cancel the proposed multibillion-dollar Beaches Link tunnel that was aimed at taking thousands of cars off Military Rd.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said Transport for NSW was engaging with “key stakeholders” such as Mosman Council as part of the review however confirmed “public submissions will not be invited”.
The move has sparked backlash from some residents and business owners who have lobbied for road improvements to Military Rd.
The congested thoroughfare is currently the main route linking the northern beaches to the north shore and carries an average of 52,100 cars each day.
Earlier this year, a statewide survey of motorists by the NRMA named the road the fourth worst roadway in NSW – and the second worst in Sydney behind Parramatta Rd.
Alessandro Pavoni, executive chef at Ormeggio at The Spit restaurant said traffic had been a perennial headache for the community.
“The tunnel would have been great because it would have meant less cars from the city to the northern beaches would have to use Military Rd,” he said.
“The biggest problem is the The Spit bridge – the congestion is getting worse and there aren’t enough lanes for the amount of cars.
“The design may have worked 30 years ago when traffic was lower but it’s not adequate.”
Liz Nable, who runs the Xtend Barre gym on Military Rd as well as a small business consultancy firm, said consultation on the review should have extended to the community.
“Because of the traffic, people turn up late to our (gym classes), people get frustrated because can’t find a park and a lot of people avoid using Military Rd at peak times because of the congestion,” she said.
“If the government is serious about a review they should do it properly and actually talk with the businesses and residents that are impacted.
“It’s frustrating because we’re the ones that have a ground level knowledge about how it affects us on a day-to-day basis.”
In recent years, there have been a range of ideas floated to improve Military Rd including building a second bridge across The Spit, while others have called for the state government to increase capacity for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
Mosman mayor Carolyn Corrigan, discussing the Transport for NSW review at a council meeting earlier this year, suggested the “first thing the state government will say is a 24/7 clearway of the whole area” is the solution.
“It’s about the only way they can clear it,” she said.
Roads Minister John Graham told parliament the review would identify “future road network options to improve network performance at critical locations”.
The review is also assessing options to improve access for public transport and active transport.
“The results of the review, including improvement options identified, will be presented to the government for consideration,” he said.
Ms Corrigan said Mosman Council was continuing to advocate to the NSW Government for transport network improvements along major corridors including Military Road and Spit Road.
“We await with interest the results of the Northern Beaches network review and hope its considerations will include a strengthened East/West corridor to better connect Mosman to Willoughby and beyond,” she said in a statement.
“Mosman Council will continue to advocate in the best interests of Mosman residents and road users.”