In March this year the NSW Government announced that it had revived plans to develop a North Shore Tunnel.  Having seen similar proposals set aside in previous years, many in the community are sceptical that it will be built at all.  However, it is important to take the plans at their face value and to flag problems and alternative approaches as early as possible in the process.

The maps and details released to date have been indicative only.  They show a proposed route running under Northbridge and coming up at Artarmon to connect with the Gore Hill Freeway.

Using the available information and Google Earth, Artarmon Progress Association has prepared images to show the anticipated route (see image above).  Concern has been expressed by locals that the proposed tunnel will go under Northbridge and Artarmon.  This would significantly impact on the area with extensive tunnelling and stacks potentially placed on or near our green spaces.  From preliminary mapping carried out by local progress associations it would appear that parts of Artarmon Park and Artarmon Reserve could be impacted by construction and operation.

The Northbridge Progress Association has reported that the drilling of up to 235 Borehole sites around North Sydney, Cammeray, Artarmon, Willoughby, Northbridge, Seaforth, Balgowlah and other suburbs will commence in April . While this is geotechnical work and may not foreshadow the final route of the Tunnel, it could certainly give residents a ‘sneak peek’.

The Government has provided a Fact Sheet on the tunnel and you can leave your comments and queries on a Government community consultation map to be found here.

Community consultation
Roads and Maritime is holding a series of informal Community Feedback Sessions on the proposed project. There is no need to make an appointment to attend these sessions, you can drop in at any time.  We encourage you to attend these sessions, share your ideas and find out more about the project. The dates, times and venues for upcoming sessions are:

The Chatswood Club

11 Help Street, Chatswood

Thursday 11 May – 2pm to 6pm

Saturday 13 May – 10am to 2pm

Balmain Town Hall

370 Darling Street, Balmain

Thursday 18 May – 2pm to 6pm

Saturday 20 May – 10am to 2pm

Manly-Warringah Leagues Club

563 Pittwater Road, Brookvale

Thursday 25 May – 2pm to 6pm

Saturday 27 May – 10am to 2pm

Northbridge Bowling Club

Warners Park, The Outpost (off Kameruka Road), Northbridge

Thursday 1 June – 2pm to 6pm

Saturday 3 June – 10am to 2pm

For more information, see the RMS Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link project website.

Image above: tunnel exploratory rig off Clive Park, Northbridge 10 May 2017