Mosman councillors doubt the Northern Beaches Link tunnel will be built despite promises from Tony Abbott and Mike Baird

THERE is cynicism in Mosman about the likelihood of a northern beaches tunnel, one councillor calling it “BeachConnex — the 100-year project”.

Traffic congestion on the Spit Bridge during the morning peak. Picture: Braden Fastier

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DESPITE Warringah federal MP Tony Abbott expecting an announcement on the long-awaited northern beaches tunnel “before the end of the year” cynicism still reigns on the lower north shore.

Mosman councillor Simon Menzies called it “Beach Connex — the 100-year project.”

“No doubt the state would allocate the necessary funds if the areas to benefit were marginal seats rather than blue ribbon strongholds,” he said.

The Spit Bridge. Picture: Annika Enderborg

“Premier Mike Baird is moving forward in slow motion, so Tony Abbott should stump up with some federal funding.”

Cr Roy Bendall said a tunnel was the only long-term solution and 50 years of studies and promises was just a cop-out.

“I attended a meeting prior to the last state election with Premier Baird and the previous transport minister where a resident reminded the premier that his father, Bruce Baird, had also promised a tunnel,” he said.

Mosman councillor Roy Bendall. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Cr Bendall slammed the B-Line rapid bus system as “a Band-Aid solution” which would worsen traffic.

“It represents a transfer of amenity from Mosman and North Sydney to the northern beaches,” he said.

The State Budget includes $17.6 million for further planning for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Northern Beaches Link.

Premier Mike Baird announces the new northern beaches bus rapid transit network called the B-Line. Picture: Martin Lange

Early work might include traffic surveys and geotechnical investigations and will be done in the next 12 months.

The cost of a northern beaches tunnel has been previously estimated between $1 billion and $2 billion.

The Spit Bridge morning peak hour ‘carpark’. Picture: Braden Fastier

Premier Baird said the government was reducing traffic gridlock across the beaches by investing in major road upgrades and the B-Line, and undertaking the planning needed for these massive projects.

After winning re-election this month, Mr Abbott said he would work with Mr Baird to “get the road tunnel under Mosman”.

Member for Warringah Tony Abbott. Picture: Braden Fastier

A bold proposal

Visionary Sydney Harbour Bridge engineer Dr John Bradfield proposed an electrified rail network to the lower north shore and northern beaches in the 1920s.

The NRMA argues such a project would transform the region.

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