Cross City Tunnel

The Cross City Tunnel motorway runs in an east-west direction between the eastern side of Darling Harbour and Kings Cross, linking the Western Distributor to New South Head Road. It also connects with the Eastern Distributor. A northern connection allows traffic to flow from the eastern suburbs directly through to harbour crossings or to the city north. The Cross City Tunnel is a vital link in the Sydney Orbital Network. The tunnel improves travel times for the east-west commuters crossing the city and removes traffic from local streets.

The Cross City Tunnel is operated by the Cross City Motorway Group Holding Pty Ltd. For information on using the Cross City Tunnel go to the Cross City Motorway Group website.

RTA vision

The RTA initiated the Cross City Tunnel Project in response to a need to improve travel times and traffic flow for east–west traffic across the Sydney CBD. It also addressed the need to divert traffic from city streets, thereby improving traffic flow and allowing faster and more reliable public transport. The Cross City Tunnel Project provides a safer and more pleasant street environment for pedestrians, residents and workers by removing through traffic and providing more footpath space in some streets.

Constructing the Cross City Tunnel posed a huge engineering challenge. The process involved innovations in engineering and impressive construction feats. For instance, four 100 tonne tunnel road headers had to be lowered down a 42 metre vertical shaft, a first in NSW.In effect, the tunnel was constructed from the inside out, rather than the outside in.

The RTA has a holistic approach to designing and planning its road projects. In addition to considering traffic flow, travel times and public transport, urban design concerns feature prominently. These include environmental and heritage considerations, connectivity, local community needs, supporting green travel and enhancing urban environments. The RTA strives to ensure that each road project adds value to local communities.

Road users

A range of road users benefit from the reduction of traffic flow within the city including taxis, delivery vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Public transport

Improving public transport was a key focus of the Cross City Tunnel Project. Bus travel is faster and more reliable for commuters as a result of the priority given to bus lanes on local roads.

Local community

Local communities benefit from the Cross City Tunnel project in a variety of ways such as:

• Making city streets safer and more pleasant for pedestrians,
  residents and workers by removing intrusive through traffic and providing more footpath space in some streets (for example, William Street).
• Creating a landscaped 'pocket park' over the eastern entrance/exit of the tunnel at Rushcutters Bay.
• Cutting trips across the city to approximately 2 minutes, from up to 20 minutes by avoiding 18 sets of traffic lights.
• Improving access and movement within the city for taxis, delivery
  vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Improving the reliability of bus services in the city.
• Improving air quality, particularly at street level.

Key features

RTA road projects aim to provide safe and efficient travel for all road users. Many road projects also include significant features which beautify our city and create a desirable and enjoyable urban landscape. For instance, installing cycleways provides people with green travel and leisure opportunities. Upgrades to parks and roadside landscaping enhance the amenity of urban environments.
Preserving heritage sites protects the historical riches
of our city and inspires civic pride.

Interesting features of the Cross City Tunnel Project include the following.

William Street upgrade

William Street was overhauled in order to improve its public amenity, safety and environmentally sustainable travel options. Footpaths were widened, extensive tree planting was undertaken, and a transit lane and cycleway were added.

The Royal Botanic Gardens noise wall

To ensure that traffic noise and visual impacts on the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain were minimised, innovative and visually interesting noise walls were constructed along the Cahill Expressway. On the Royal Botanic Gardens side, the noise wall is a timber fence with a transparent addition to retain views at the western end. On the Domain side, a sandstone-faced wall was built.

This wall was designed to serve as a memorial to the Australian servicemen and women who have died overseas whilst on non-combatant duty.

For more information regarding the key features of the Cross City Tunnel Project, click here.

Planned improvements

Following the opening of the Cross City Tunnel the RTA and City of Sydney Council are considering ways to further the benefits brought about by the project. As part of the City of Sydney’s cycling strategy the RTA is funding detailed design work on Bourke Street between Corfu Street and Stanley Street. The City of Sydney is currently considering a separate request from the RTA to rezone the open space at the intersection of Bourke and Stanley streets for a proposed park. Construction of these urban design features is expected to commence in 2010.

Click here for more information on these planned improvements.