M2 to F3 corridor
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Recognising the need for a high quality link between the F3 and the M2 Motorway, the Australian Government commissioned and funded a feasibility study into options. The RTA coordinated the study on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Sinclair Knight Merz(SKM) was commissioned in early 2002 to conduct the study. The study area extended from the F3 at Kariong on the Central Coast to the northern section of the Sydney Orbital Road network and from Dean Park in the west to the M2 in the east. The study was completed and a preferred corridor for the new link announced by the Australian Government on 6 May 2004. The preferred option effectively replaces Pennant Hills Road, running from the F3 at Wahroonga to the M2 between North Rocks and Cheltenham. For more information regarding the study, go to the SKM website. |
RTA vision
The RTA initiated the study in response to a need for a new route to meet existing and projected traffic demands in north and western Sydney and the Central Coast. Over half of Sydney’s population growth over this period is predicted to occur in Western Sydney, and it is predicted there will be a 50% increase in the Central Coast population over the next 20 years.
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.
According to the SKM study the preferred eight kilometre route between the F3 and the Sydney Orbital Road network, which would effectively replace Pennant Hills Road, was the option best meeting the RTA goals. It would maintain an efficient and effective National Highway route through Sydney, best meet environmental concerns, economic and inter-regional goals and address the performance of the existing road corridor.
Some of the benefit expected to be brought about by the proposed link include the following.
Through traffic
Under the proposal, road users benefit from the following:
- Alleviation of traffic congestion, particularly along Pennant Hills Road.
- Quicker travel times, avoiding 22 sets of traffic lights.
- Reduced operating costs for national freight carriers and long-distance transport operators.
- Opportunities to integrate with the regional transport network.
Local community
Under the proposal local residents benefit from the following:
- Reduced traffic noise in local streets.
- Reduced heavy traffic.
- Improved local air quality.
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 ambience of urban environments. Preserving heritage sites protects the historical riches of our city and inspires civic pride.
The proposed route includes a tunnel section, which would run 30 to 40 metres under Pennant Hills Road. The SKM study found that the inclusion of a tunnel would minimise local, heritage and ecological impacts.
According to the study, some potential key features of the proposed route include:
- A significant improvement in urban amenity along Pennant Hills Road. Reduced traffic congestion on Pennant Hills Road would bring about reduced traffic noise, improved local air quality and opportunities to provide better access between local communities in the Pennant Hills Road area. This includes improved access to Pennant Hills and Thornleigh railway stations.
- Opportunities to revitalise and upgrade Pennant Hills Road. Reduced traffic on Pennant Hills road would allow other road users, such as cyclists, to be better serviced.
[Source: http://commcons.skm.com.au/f3tosydneyorbital/index.cfm?ID=background].