Lane Cove tunnel and the local community

RTA projects are designed and undertaken with a strong commitment to local communities. The Lane Cove Tunnel development process included extensive community consultation. This ensured that needs identified by the local community became part of the RTA’s project goals. Identified needs included accessibility, quality of life and environmental protections. The RTA worked hard to keep local communities informed during all stages of the project and to ensure that any adverse impacts resulting from the project were minimised.

Consulting local communities

The consultation process for the Lane Cove Tunnel Project began with exhibition of the environmental impact statement between November 2001 and February 2002 at numerous locations. Public comment was invited. The RTA proposed a number of modifications, based on feedback about the environmental impact statement and additional information. These modifications were made available from July to August 2002.

Bringing benefits to local community

Some of the benefits of the Lane Cove Tunnel Project include:

• Reduced traffic on Epping Road, Longueville Road and Mowbray Road West.
• Improved local air quality with reduced traffic volumes on surface roads.
• More turning lanes to surrounding localities.
• Improved travel times for local motorists.
• Better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, including a continuous cycleway from Wicks Road, North Ryde to Naremburn.
• Improved public transport facilities with dedicated bus lanes and a new bus interchange.

Addressing the concerns of local community

During the Lane Cove Tunnel Project the RTA ensured that the concerns of local communities were addressed.

Keeping local community informed

Measures taken to keep local communities informed before and during the construction of the Lane Cove Tunnel Project included:

• Building a project website.
• Setting up a display centre.
• Notifying the public about project developments through newsletters and advertising.
• Providing a 24 hour hotline for the duration of the project.

Noise minimisation

The RTA took the following measures to minimise the impact of construction and operation noise on the local community:

• Extensive restrictions on noise and emission-generating construction activity.
• Constructing or relocating three kilometres of noise walls as part of the Gore Hill Freeway widening.
• Laying approximately 35,000 square metres of low noise pavement on the Gore Hill Freeway.

Preserving access

The local community’s concerns about access were met by:

• Maintaining vehicle access to properties and businesses at all times during construction and following the opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel.
• Maintaining cycle and pedestrian access.

Preserving public transport

The RTA ensured that public transport service levels were maintained during the construction of the Lane Cove Tunnel.