The project

The Cross City Tunnel Project involved extensive planning and construction on a massive scale. This page outlines the major construction works and resulting road network features of the tunnel, including local traffic improvements.

Why build the Cross City Tunnel?

The Cross City Tunnel Project was initiated in response to the need to:

• Improve the environmental quality of public space in central Sydney.
• Improve ease of access for traffic within central Sydney.
• Improve the reliability of travel within central Sydney.
• Improve the reliability and efficiency of travel between the east and west of central Sydney.

Outcomes

The major outcomes of the project are as follows:

• Twin 2.1 kilometre tunnels from Harbour Street, Darling Harbour to the Kings Cross Tunnel (eastern entry), with connections to the Eastern Distributor and Domain Tunnel.
• A major upgrade of William Street. This included widening and improving footpaths, tree planting, and the reduction of the roadway to one through lane, one T2 transit lane, and one dedicated cycle lane in each direction.
• An upgrade of Park Street at Hyde Park. This included widening, upgrading and landscaping the footpaths, and limiting vehicular traffic to one bus lane and a single through lane in each direction.
• Improvements to public transport on Druitt Street. Bus lanes have been provided in each direction and Druitt Street is closed to general traffic between Clarence and Kent streets.
• Public transport improvements. In addition to the improvements tabled above, new bus lanes have been provided on a range of other city streets, and there is increased priority for north–south bus routes at city traffic signals.
• Improved cyclist facilities. New on-road bicycle lanes have been provided between Kings Cross and Town Hall.

Snapshot of Cross City Tunnel Project

Major works

Major works undertaken in the project were:

• Twin 2.1 kilometre tunnels from Harbour Street, Darling Harbour to the Kings Cross Tunnel (eastern entry), with connections to the Eastern Distributor and Domain Tunnel.
• Construction of one T2 transit lane and one dedicated cycle lane in each direction on William Street.
• Construction of one bus lane and a single through lane in each directionon Park Street at Hyde Park.
• Provision of bus lanes in each direction on Druitt Street.
• Construction of entry points to the tunnel for westbound traffic at the eastern end of the Kings Cross Tunnel and from the Eastern Distributor (northbound).
• Construction of tunnel exits to the Western Distributor and Harbour Street (northbound and southbound) for westbound traffic.
• Footpath widening, upgrading and tree planting on William Street.

Who built the Cross City Tunnel?

Cross City Motorway (CCM) was contracted to design, construct, maintain and operate the Cross City Tunnel. CCM is a privately owned, special purpose company created solely for the Cross City Tunnel Project. Ownership of the tunnel is scheduled to revert to public  ownership in 2035.

CCM engaged the BaulderstoneHornibrookBilfinger Berger (BHBB) Joint Ventureto design and construct the project; Leighton Contractors maintains and operates the tunnel.

Cost

$680 million

Cross City Tunnel and its use

• The Cross City Tunnel is electronically tolled. The electronic tolling system is fully compatible with other toll roads.
• The Cross City Tunnel has 4.4 metres height clearance.

For information on using the Cross City Tunnel go to the Connector Motorways website.