The Northern Beaches Tunnel or the Beaches Link has been paused due to rising costs and labour shortages. It remains uncertain, however, whether or not the acquisition of properties will be paused as well.
“The NSW Government remains committed to Beaches Link. Following independent advice, the NSW Government is restaging major infrastructure projects such as Beaches Link so they can be delivered in a sustainable and affordable way for taxpayers,” the Transport for NSW advisory reads.
Announced in 2017, the Beaches Link was planned to commence in 2023 with project completion expected by 2028. The link has been designed to provide new direct connections from the Northern Beaches to Warringah Freeway North Sydney, Inner West (via the Western Harbour Tunnel) and St Leonards and Macquarie Park (via the Gore Hill Freeway Connection).
Independent advisers Infrastructure NSW, however, recommended the “re-sequencing” of major projects, which includes the Beaches Link, due to complexity and increasing construction cost and declining supply of skilled labour.
Residents around Dudley Street in Balgowlah, however, cannot breathe a sigh of relief still despite the project being put on hold as no announcement has been made regarding the acquisition of homes.
So far, 21 homes of a total of 35 have been acquired as part of construction works around Dudley Street. In all, 54 properties are planned to be acquired for the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection projects which include Balgowlah, Artarmon, Seaforth, Killarney Heights and Frenchs Forest.
The Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection project has so far received more than 1,500 submissions a majority of which are objecting to the project.
“I am against this proposal as it does not contain adequate rapid public transport considerations nor support the need for cycling. In fact, it significantly damages some existing infrastructure around Gore hill freeway for cyclists with no commitment to make right this infrastructure. The workarounds are a major impact on routes I frequently take. – Name withheld
“For many reasons, too many to list. Here are a few; Cost, damage to the environment, the destruction of bush land, parts of the harbour and dams etc where wildlife currently reside. Unfiltered smoke stacks. No public transport alternatives were submitted. Potential damage to homes. Longevity of project. Toll mania (Gladys agrees). No attempt to make improvements that will lower the impact of our carbon footprint. Local residents have been ignored and big companies are being rewarded. There are less destructive ways to create jobs and help people to travel with ease. Another car toll tunnel is last [sic] century.” – Carol M.
“I am concerned about : Environmental impact the project will have on Northbridge local area; the potential hazards to the health of locals due to the chemcial/asbestos exposure if FernTree Gully is used as a dumping ground during the project; reduction in property values; excessive costs of the project that many locals are not happy about.” – Name withheld
Mosman Council expressed “strong objection to the cessation” of the project, adding that written representations will be made to the Premier suggesting that there should be “no further increase in housing targets” whilst a long-term solution for the Spit Bridge route is still being sought.
Back in March when the probable pausing of the Beaches Link project was announced, Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan urged the government not to delay the project but instead find alternatives to fund the project.
About $6 billion has already been allocated over the next four years for the Beaches Link (planning approval pending) and Warringah Freeway Upgrade and the Western Harbour Tunnel (approved in January 2021) projects under the NSW 2021-22 Budget. The total cost for these projects is estimated to be about $14 billion.
