First Look At NorthConnex Tunnel – One of the longest road tunnels in Australia

Opened on 31st October 2020, NorthConnex is a nine-kilometre twin tunnel linking the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga to the Hills M2 Motorway at West Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north. The project is delivered by Transurban in partnership with the Australian and NSW Governments.

One of the most anticipated road infrastructure projects in Australia

Costing nearly $3 billion, NorthConnex is one of the longest and deepest road tunnels in Australia with the deepest point reaching to 90 metres beneath Sydney Metro Northwest. This mega project is aimed to deliver faster, safer, more reliable and more efficient journeys for road users (motorists in particular).

It is estimated that up to 5,000 trucks will be taken off Pennant Hills Road each day, saving nearly 15 minutes off travel time during rush hours. Drivers can also avoid 40 sets of traffic lights on the Pacific Highway or 21 sets of traffic lights between the M1 and M2.

“It’s the missing link in the National Highway route motorists have been wanting for decades, allowing motorists to drive from Newcastle to Melbourne without passing a single set of traffic lights,” said Ms. Michele Huey – Transurban NSW Group Executive.

Significant benefits to local communities

NorthConnex will deliver various benefits to local communities by easing congestion and removing up to 5000 trucks daily from Pennant Hills Road. This will help improve safety, local air quality and reduce traffic noise. In addition, the mega project provided an economic boost for Sydney, supporting and maintaining approximately 8,700 direct and indirect jobs prior and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the long run, NorthConnex will boost productivity for the freight network, supporting businesses to be more competitive and contributing to a stronger economy.

In a nod to the region, its northbound route includes blue and white forest silhouettes to reflect Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, while the southbound route features starscapes and speed lines, reflecting the journey from the north-west to the CBD.

NorthConnex was also the first road project in Australia to receive a ‘Leading’ design rating from ISCA, which looks at ways in which the project was designed to minimise environmental impact.

Source:

NorthConnex Official Page – www.northconnex.com.au

Transport for NSW – www.rms.nsw.gov.au