Tunnel bypassing Mosman left out of $20 billion state transport plan
THE long-awaited tunnel under Military and Spit Roads is not included in the State Government’s multi-billion transport package.
North Shore
Don't miss out on the headlines from North Shore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Beaches Link tunnel has been bypassed for funding under the state government’s $20 billion infrastructure plan.
The lower north shore is one of the major winners in the transport project as it includes funding for road and rail links under the Harbour Bridge.
But the long-awaited tunnel under Military and Spit Roads is not included in the deal.
“We’ve already allocated $5 million to undertake a feasibility study looking at route options and traffic modelling,” a statement from Premier Mike Baird’s office said.
Mosman’s Deputy Mayor Roy Bendall said it was disappointing the Beaches Link tunnel wasn’t budgeted for but accepted why.
“I do understand they have got to wait for the feasibility study first,” he said.
“I’m glad they have acknowledged the link to the Northern Beaches is required to keep traffic flowing.
“This community desperately needs a tunnel to divert traffic out of Mosman.”
PROMISE TO PROGRESS TUNNEL PLANS
He is calling for a toll on the Spit Road to start raising funds for construction ahead of the completion of the study.
The tunnel would provide a connection from north of the Spit Bridge to the Warringah Freeway corridor.
Legislation to lease almost half of the state’s electricity network passed this week and the government plans to raise the promised $20 billion for infrastructure from the privatisation.
The second harbour rail crossing is a key part of the plans and will form a new connection underground between the two sides of the city.
Called Sydney Metro, it could see new underground stations being built at Crows Nest and North Sydney to serve twin tunnels.
It will connect the North West Rail Link to a new line running through the lower north shore, the Sydney CBD and west to Bankstown.
MARINA DEVELOPMENT KNOCKED BACK
CAR SPACE EXPECTED TO FETCH OVER $50,000
The State Government has also reserved $1.1 billion from the plan for major road projects including the Western Harbour Tunnel.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel would provide an additional road crossing under the Harbour and would be a necessary pre-curser before a Beaches Link to take pressure of the current corridors including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Eastern Distributor,” the statement added.
There is $300 million reserved for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in the deal and the Premier’s office said it has not yet been decided how this money will be spent.
The Northern Beaches BRT project has already been funded in the budget and is not reliant on the money from the lease of the poles and wires, the Premier’s office said.
The $233 million plans for the BRT corridor from the northern beaches include five new BRT interchanges, including one in Mosman, and upgrades of existing bus stops from Mona Vale to the CBD.
Meet the talented young artists from ARTEXPRESS 2025
The annual art exhibition which shows some of the most outstanding and exemplary artworks across NSW by HSC visual arts students has opened. Meet the students and see their amazing works.
Australian swimmers and SailGP team’s unique exchange
Two of Australia’s leading sports teams - SailGPs Flying Roos and the Dolphins - are collaborating in a hunt for “little gems” to deliver lucrative triumphs on the water and Olympic medals in it.