no rth syd n e y coun ci l r e por t s · northern extension and the western harbour tunnel...

ITEM CiS05 REPORTS 22/06/15

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager Attachments:

1. Rebuilding NSW, Western Harbour Tunnel factsheet 1. Rebuilding NSW, Sydney Rapid Transit factsheet

SUBJECT: WestConnex and the Western Harbour Road Tunnel AUTHOR: Nigel Turner, Strategic Transport Planner ENDORSED BY: Joseph Hill, Director City Strategy EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In 2012, Transport for New South Wales announced its Long Term Transport Master Plan (LTTMP). This included the formation of a Sydney Motorways Project Office (SMPO) to progress the planning and delivery of WestConnex, a $10 billion suite of motorway projects to reduce vehicle based travel times between central and western Sydney. In September 2013, a preliminary business case for WestConnex was released by the WestConnex Development Authority (WDA), an amalgamation of the SMPO and industry partners. The preliminary business case did not identify the northern extension to WestConnex Stage 3 or the western harbour road tunnel as part of the project and provided no traffic modelling or environmental impact assessment even for the elements of the project that were identified. In June 2014, the NSW Government released “Rebuilding NSW”, which included changes to the LTTMP and an additional $1.1 billion allocated to new northern and southern extensions to WestConnex Stage 3 and a proposed western harbour road tunnel. The additional $1.1billion will not fully fund the construction of these new elements of the WestConnex project, with preliminary estimates suggesting that the western harbour road tunnel alone will cost somewhere in the order of $4.5 billion to build. A review of the original business case to include the Stage 3 northern extension and the western harbour road tunnel was announced in May 2015; Infrastructure NSW recommended completion of final business cases by the end of 2015. As described in the original business case, the WestConnex project had little direct impact on the North Sydney transport network, with concerns for the significant opportunity cost of the project being the only matter of strategic interest for Council to consider. The more recently introduced northern extension and western harbour road tunnel, however, have the potential to significantly impact North Sydney communities and the transport networks that they rely on. These impacts would be inconsistent with council’s vision for transport in North Sydney and have the potential to reverse any gains made in promoting walking, cycling and the use of public transport over more car dependent life-style choices. A broad analysis of the potential impacts that WestConnex, the Stage 3 northern extension

Report of Nigel Turner, Strategic Transport Planner Re: WestConnex and the Western Harbour Road Tunnel

(2) and the western harbor tunnel might have on the North Sydney community is provided in this report. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Nil RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. THAT Council write to the NSW Premier, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight expressing its concerns regarding the WestConnex project, particularly in relation to the lost opportunity that the project represents in terms of funding a world class public transport network for global Sydney. 2. THAT Council request that the preliminary business case for WestConnex Stage 3’s northern extension and the western harbour tunnel, as announced in June 2014, be submitted to Council for its consideration. 3. THAT Council request that the full business case for WestConnex, WestConnex Stage 3’s northern extension and the western harbour road tunnel be sent to Council as soon as it is available. 4. THAT Council acknowledges that it has not received briefing material on any future western harbour road tunnel. Depending on these details, Council reserves the right to express concern regarding the potential impacts that this project might have on community well being, the environment, health, safety, congestion and the cost of living and doing business in North Sydney.


(3) LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM: The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows:

Direction: 1. Our Living Environment Outcome: 1.2 Quality urban greenspaces 1.3 Healthy and clean local waterways 1.4 Improved environmental footprint and responsible use of natural

resources 1.5 Public open space, recreation facilities and services that meet community

needs Direction: 2. Our Built Environment Outcome: 2.1 Infrastructure, assets and facilities that meet community needs 2.2 Improved mix of land use and quality development through design

excellence 2.3 Vibrant, connected and well maintained streetscapes and villages that

build a sense of community 2.5 Sustainable transport is encouraged 2.6 Improved traffic management 2.7 Improved parking options and supply Direction: 3. Our Economic Vitality Outcome: 3.1 Diverse, strong, sustainable and vibrant local economy 3.2 North Sydney CBD is one of Australia's largest commercial centres 3.3 North Sydney is a place that attracts events Direction: 4. Our Social Vitality Outcome: 4.1 Community is connected 4.3 Enhanced arts and cultural programs an facilities 4.7 Community is active and healthy 4.8 Enhanced community facilities, information and services 4.9 Enhanced community safety and accessibility Direction: 5. Our Civic Leadership Outcome: 5.1 Council leads the strategic direction of North Sydney 5.2 Council is financially sustainable 5.3 Council is ethical, open, accountable and transparent in its decision

making 5.5 Customer focused Council services 5.7 Risks are minimised and continuity of Council's critical business

functions is ensured


(4) BACKGROUND In 2012, TfNSW announced its Long Term Transport Master Plan (LTTMP). This included the formation of a Sydney Motorways Project Office (SMPO) to progress the planning and delivery of WestConnex, a $10billion suite of motorway projects to reduce vehicle based travel times between central and western Sydney. In September 2013, a preliminary business case for WestConnex was released by the WestConnex Development Authority (WDA), an amalgamation of the SMPO and industry partners. The preliminary business case did not identify the northern extension to WestConnex Stage 3 or the western harbour tunnel as part of the WestConnex project and provided no traffic modelling or environmental impact assessment for the elements of the project that were identified. A report by the NSW Auditor General’s office concluded "it was not able to form a view on whether the project is a worthwhile and prudent investment … for the NSW government". In June 2014, the NSW Government released “Rebuilding NSW”, which included changes to the LTTMP and an additional $1.1 billion allocated to new northern and southern extensions to WestConnex Stage 3 and a proposed western harbour road tunnel (Figure 1). The additional $1.1 billion will not fully fund the construction of these new elements of the WestConnex project, with preliminary estimates suggesting that the western harbour road tunnel alone will cost somewhere in the order of $4.5 billion to build. A review of the original business case to include the Stage 3 northern extension and the western harbour road tunnel was announced in May 2015; Infrastructure NSW recommended completion of final business cases by the end of 2015.

Figure 1- WestConnex Stage 3 with indicative northern, southern and western harbour tunnel extensions


(5) SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT The Economic, Social and Environmental impact of WestConnex proposals on North Sydney have been explored in the main body of this report. Ensuring that Council’s WestConnex advocacy reflects its overall transport vision for North Sydney will help to achieve many of the governance outcomes outlined in the Community Strategic Plan. DETAIL 1. WestConnex Opportunity Cost The cost of the WestConnex project (in excess of $14.5 billion) will, inevitably, reduce the amount of funding available for transport projects that might more directly benefit the North Sydney community. Public transport and cycling initiatives to link Sydney’s north, particularly the northern beaches, with Sydney’s CBD would alleviate some of the traffic issues currently facing the North Sydney community. 2. WestConnex Stage 3, northern extension and western harbour road tunnel The business case, traffic modelling and environmental impact assessment have yet to be released for Stage 3’s northern extension or the western harbour tunnel. However, connecting significant new road infrastructure and associated increases in traffic in to North Sydney’s already congested traffic infrastructure would significantly impact the cost of living, working and travelling in North Sydney in the following ways. 2.1. Economic Implications The economic rationale for the project appears to be based on the financial value associated with reduced vehicle travel times. However, the unlocking of latent traffic demand, broader increases in congestion and reduced walking, cycling, and public transport use will rapidly re-balance any short term economic benefits as journey times return to equilibrium. These are all well documented implications of such road projects. For the North Sydney community, any value associated with by-passing the Sydney CBD will be counter-balanced by increases in local traffic as more drivers from Sydney’s north decide to travel through the LGA via the new western harbour tunnel. While much of this additional traffic will be concentrated on the Warringah Freeway, there will be corresponding increases on less strategic arterial roads (e.g. Military Road) and local collector roads with the potential for increased congestion to push through traffic on to residential streets. Resultant increases in traffic and travel times in North Sydney will have a significant impact on the cost of living for residents and business operating costs. The NSW Government has suggested that it may be difficult to raise private funding for the WestConnex project following the failure of similar Australian toll road projects such as the Lane Cove Tunnel, Sydney and M7 Tunnel, Brisbane, which were funded under public private partnerships. 2.2. Health and Safety Implications Increasing the amenity offered by private vehicle journeys (in the short term) and resultant traffic generation would reduce the amenity and the likelihood of residents using more active modes of transport to travel to, from and through North Sydney. Walking, cycling and using public transport contribute to better physical health, reducing the public cost of sedentary


(6) lifestyle illnesses, and community mental health, where incidental social interactions reduce opportunities for social isolation. Increasing the amount of traffic travelling through North Sydney will also increase the likelihood of crashes occurring and the severity of injuries resulting from these crashes. This would particularly impact more vulnerable road users. This will have a negative impact on the uptake of more active travel modes. 2.3. Social Well-being and Environmental Implications Increasing the amenity offered by private vehicle journeys (in the short term) and resultant traffic generation would reduce the amenity and the likelihood of residents using more sociable modes of transport to travel to, from and through North Sydney. Walking, cycling and using public transport offer opportunities for incidental social interactions that contribute to a sense of community, generate civic pride, reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour, improve perceptions of personal security and reduce the cost of community policing. In addition, these modes generate little noise, pollutants or greenhouse gases, which means that they have low levels of impact on local air quality, water quality and climate change. A full cost/benefit analysis of the WestConnex project, which addresses all of the issues outlined above, must be considered to understand the full financial impacts of these proposals and to determine a considered position for Council in relation to WestConnex, the Stage 3 northern extension and the western harbour tunnel project/s. 3. Further Feedback WestConnex has been criticised by residents and experts on the grounds of practicality, relevance, funding, environmental impact, consequences for residents along its route, process irregularity as well as its affect on the state’s funding of public transport infrastructure. The sustainability of WestConnex has been challenged on the grounds that it is an outdated solution; that demand needs to be managed better rather than increasing supply because commuter travel patterns and preferences are changing rapidly. A report for the City of Sydney concluded the project was the "wrong transport project for Sydney's future" because of financial risk, insufficient demand and that current land use trends mean public transport is needed. The chief executive of the Committee for Sydney, Tim Williams, criticised Sydney's motorway plans on the grounds of inequity as well as for not meeting the city's public transport needs. Dr Williams also called on the government to release a business case for the project. 4. Further Information More information about the WestConnex Project can be found via the following links. WestConnex Development Authority (WDA) WestConnex Business Case Executive Summary http://www.westconnex.com.au/documents/westconnex-executive-summary-september-2013.pdf? WestConnex Strategic Environmental Review (2013) http://www.westconnex.com.au/documents/westconnex-strategic-environmental-review-2013.pdf


(7) Building for the Future, M4 East (Stage 1) Community Feedback Report http://www.westconnex.com.au/documents/M4_East_Feedback_Report_April14.pdf TfNSW http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/search/node/WestConnex City of Sydney http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/council/news-and-updates/featured-articles/westconnex-wont-benefit-sydney WestConnex Transport Modelling Summary Report http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/232697/150427_COUNCIL_ITEM35_ATTACHMENTA.PDF Additional Information A Review of Transport Project Appraisal in NSW Australia http://www.atrf.info/papers/2013/2013_douglas_brooker.pdf WestConnex Media What you need to know about WestConnex, the biggest road we've ever seen http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/what-you-need-to-know-about-westconnex-the-biggest-road-weve-ever-seen-20150314-143ujn.html Damning report into WestConnex motorway released by NSW auditor-general http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/damning-report-into-westconnex-motorway-released-by-nsw-auditorgeneral-20141218-129r7t.html Parramatta Road traffic will increase under WestConnex, study shows http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/parramatta-road-traffic-will-increase-under-westconnex-study-shows-20150427-1mueqm.html Sydney traffic: Secret WestConnex documents show worse congestion after toll road http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-traffic-secret-westconnex-documents-show-worse-congestion-after-toll-road-20150525-gh980u.html 5. Conclusion As described in the original business case, the WestConnex project had little direct impact on North Sydney transport network, with concerns for the significant opportunity cost of the project being the only matter of strategic interest for Council to consider. The more recently introduced northern extension and western harbor tunnel, however, have the potential to significantly impact North Sydney communities and the transport networks that they rely on. These impacts would be inconsistent with Council’s vision for transport in North Sydney and are likely to reverse any gains made in promoting walking, cycling and the use of public transport over more car dependent life-style choices. The objectives of the WestConnex project/s are generally inconsistent with Council’s vision for transport in North Sydney. Writing to the Minister for Road, Maritime and Freight to express Councils concerns regarding the negative impact that the project will have on the


(8) North Sydney community as well as the development processes undertaken to date will contribute to the weight of objection to this project. It is important that Council considers all of the information available regarding this project and a full business case, traffic modelling, environmental impact assessment and cost/benefit analysis for the project should be requested. This will help to inform an advocacy program that addresses all of the relevant issues with the appropriate authorities.

Congestion targeted with plans for a new Sydney Harbour crossing In 1932, Bradfield’s vision for the Sydney’s first harbour crossing, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, transformed the city and the way people move by train and car between north and south.

The Sydney Harbour Tunnel – the second crossing – was completed in the 1990s. Plans for a third crossing, the Sydney Rapid Transit Tunnel exclusively for trains, are already underway.

Now, to control congestion and keep people moving in anticipation of Sydney’s growing population, a bold plan for a fourth transformational north–south harbour crossing is underway.

What the Western Harbour Tunnel will mean for SydneyThe new Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Harbour Bridge, the Anzac Bridge and the Eastern Distributor. It will give road users a new route from Rozelle (currently proposed from Rail Yards) in the west to growing employment hubs in the north and north west. It will complement and strengthen the benefits of the WestConnex motorway by connecting directly with Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Motorists will be able to effectively bypass the CBD and urban congestion, reducing travel times and freeing public transport to operate more efficiently for commuters.

Western Harbour TunnelRebuilding NSW

Connecting people with jobs

50,000 cars bypassing the CBD per day

growing population +1.6m in 20 years

Fewer traffic lights, faster trips

Planned for

Proposed Western Harbour Tunnel and its motorway connections

ATTACHMENT TO CiS05 - 22/06/15

Why do we need the Western Harbour Tunnel now?Currently, 80 per cent of all trips across the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour use either the Sydney Harbour Bridge (55 per cent) or the Sydney Harbour Tunnel (25 per cent). Already congested, and with Sydney’s population forecast to grow by a further 1.6 million over the next 20 years, these two routes will not be enough.

One of the goals of the NSW Long Term Master Plan in December 2012 was to build the ‘missing links’ in Sydney’s motorway network, which cause bottlenecks, low travel speeds and unreliable travel times. By taking this opportunity to bypass the CBD and addressing major missing links, the Western Harbour Tunnel will simultaneously transform our road infrastructure and fulfil a promise.

How NSW will benefit• The community can look forward to environment and

health benefits due to reduced noise and emissions.

• Road users can expect improved travel times, less fuel consumption and reduced congestion.

• Public transport users can expect faster travel times.

• Greater areas will be accessible for population and employment growth and urban renewal.

Part of Rebuilding NSWRebuilding NSW is an ambitious long-term plan to improve the lives of people through transformational projects across our great state. It is proposed that $20 billion from the sale of electricity assets will be invested in areas including integrated transport, health and education. Filling the gaps in our state’s transport infrastructure is an important part of the big picture. The benefits will be powerful and far reaching.

Find out moreTo register for updates on the Western Harbour Tunnel please email Transport for NSW at [email protected]

Far-reaching Rebuilding NSW projects

Proposed Western Harbour Tunnel


Fact sheet | June 2014

Sydney Rapid Transit delivers a new rapid transit rail line under Sydney Harbour, through the CBD and to Bankstown – instantly providing a massive boost in the number of trains right across Sydney.It will provide a 60 per cent increase in the number of trains in the peak and cater for an extra 100,000 customers per hour as well as providing faster, more frequent and more reliable services for Sydney and intercity train customers.

This is the next major rail project identified in Sydney’s Rail Future, a plan released by the NSW Government in 2012 which includes building the $8.3 billion North West and $2.1 billion South West Rail Links – both now under construction.

SRT will extend the North West Rail Link under Sydney Harbour, through the CBD and west to Bankstown, with capacity to run up to 30 trains per hour in each direction through the city on the new line.

Combined with enabling works including investment in infrastructure and signalling for the T1 Western Line, the benefits of SRT will include:

• The unblocking of a major bottleneck in the city to allow up to 60 per cent more trains every hour across the network, including from Western Sydney, South West Sydney, southern Sydney and northern Sydney

• More express trains from Penrith, Parramatta and Blacktown to the city that don’t get stuck behind all-stops trains

• Three new underground CBD railway stations on the new line, which will ease congestion at existing city stations such as Wynyard and Town Hall

• Travel time savings and greater reliability across the network, including for intercity customers, because rapid transit will be separate from the rest of the network

• Modern, safe rapid transit trains which carry more customers per hour than double-deckers, reduce travel times and have more doors to make it easier to get on and off – providing a turn-up-and-go service.

More trains, faster services right across Sydney

More trains, faster services right across Sydney


Sydney Rapid Transit – the key that unlocks Sydney’s rail capacity

Parramatta Rd

Wynyard

Wollstonecraft

Waverton

Milsons Point

CircularQuay

KingsCross

Redfern

Erskineville

St Peters

Petersham

Newtown

GreenSquare

St James

Museum

Town Hall

ZETLANDMARRICKVILLE

DARLINGPOINT

ANNANDALE

MOSMANNEUTRAL BAY

THESPIT

NORTH SYDNEY

SYDNEYCBD

NORTHBRIDGELANECOVE

Crows Nest

Chatswood

Victoria Cross

Martin Place

Pitt Street

Central

Sydenham

St Leonards

0 1 2 3 km

SRT key facts • A train every two minutes through the heart of the CBD

• Next generation trains

• Five new rapid transit stations at Central, Pitt Street, Martin Place, Victoria Cross and St Leonards/Crows Nest

• 11 existing stations upgraded to rapid transit

• Automated, fast, safe, frequent rapid transit

• Total route: 30 km

– 3 km extra tracks, Chatswood – St Leonards area

– 12.5 km twin tunnels

– 13.4 km Western Extension, Sydenham to Bankstown. Conversion of existing line to rapid transit

• Dedicated line operating independently of the existing rail network, not subject to wider network delays

• Seamless interchanges with Sydney Trains, NSW Trains, busses and light rail

• No timetable – just turn up and go

• Consideration of other station locations such as Barangaroo.

To build SRT, specialised tunnel boring machines will carve out twin tunnels through sandstone bedrock beneath Sydney Harbour.

40 m26 m

14 m 7 m

Sediment

Sandstone

North West Rail LinkMore rapid transit trains – up to 20 an hourDirect rapid transit to the city, and beyondMore trains every hour between Epping and Chatswood via Macquarie Park

PenrithReliable and faster express trains

Inner WestIncreases to 20 trains an hour

Bankstown15 rapid transit trains an hourThis unlocks City Circle capacity allowing more trains from South Western Sydney and the East Hills line into the CBD

Parramatta to CityMore express trains every hour and more services via Strathfield

South WestMore trains for Campbelltown, East Hills, Airport and South Lines

City Circle20 trains an hour each way

New SRT30 rapid transit trains an hour each way in the peak

Sydney’s Rail FutureSRT was identified in Sydney’s Rail Future as the next big rail project for Sydney after the North West Rail Link. It will meet Sydney’s rail capacity demands for generations to come.


• Fast, frequent, safe

• More trains, more often

• Super reliable – 98% on-time operations

• Faster acceleration – superior performance

• Just turn up and go – no need for timetables

• More doors make it quicker to get on and off – less stopping time at stations

• Minimal gap between platform and train – platform level with train doors

• Safe and secure – ability to see inside the entire length of the train – double deck trains have over 20 separate compartments

• Constant CCTV monitoring on board and at all stations

• Simple stopping patterns

• Platform screen safety doors

• State of the art communications and control systems - automated rapid transit trains can travel more closely together

• Independent of the rest of the network – less chance of flow-on delays for both rapid transit and suburban trains

• Opal ticketing.

Capacity The total number of people reliably carried on a train line in an hour is the true measure of rail capacity.

Other global cities around the world have single deck rapid transit trains that reliably carry around 40,000 or more people an hour.

London’s new Crossrail is planning for an initial capacity of 36,000 passengers.

Hong Kong’s cross-harbour Tsuen Wan line has capacity for up to 60,000 people per hour.

Sydney’s rapid transit target of about 40,000 per hour is comparable to the average hourly capacity of rapid transit trains world-wide and will have 98 per cent reliability.

Sydney’s current suburban trains can reliably carry 24,000 people an hour per line.

40,000

35,0

00

30,0

00

25,0

00

20,0

00

15,0

00

10,0

00

5,0000

MAXIMUM SYDNEY TRAIN CUSTOMERS PER HOUR PER LINE

CurrentSuburban

SydneyRapid

Transit

St Leo

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Cro

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St Leo

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s/

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Victoria

Cro

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Victoria

Cro

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Chats

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Chats

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North West Rail LinkNorth West Rail Link Syden

ham

Syden

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Centra

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Centra

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Pitt S

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Pitt S

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Mar

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Mar

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Hurlst

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Mar

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Mar

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Campsie

Campsie

Punch

bowl

Punch

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Banks

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Banks

tow

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Wile

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k

Wile

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Lake

mba

Lake

mba

Belmore

Belmore

St Leo

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s/

Cro

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est

St Leo

nard

s/

Cro

ws N

est

Victoria

Cro

ss

Victoria

Cro

ss

Chats

wood

Chats

wood

North West Rail LinkNorth West Rail Link Syden

ham

Syden

ham

Centra

l

Centra

l

Pitt S

treet

Pitt S

treet

Mar

tin P

lace

Mar

tin P

lace

Cante

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Cante

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Hurlst

one P

ark

Hurlst

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Dulw

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Mar

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Mar

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Campsie

Campsie

Punch

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Punch

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Banks

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Banks

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Wile

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Wile

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Lake

mba

Lake

mba

Belmore

Belmore

Sydney Rapid Transit Proposed stations

For more information, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au

Rapid transit benefits


no rth syd n e y coun ci l r e por t s · northern extension and the western harbour tunnel...

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