Motorway tunnels improve air quality by taking cars and their emissions off surface streets. Better air quality in Central Sydney is one of the key objectives of the Cross City Tunnel. Studies show air quality will be significantly improved, with over 40,000 vehicles a day travelling in the tunnel instead of using existing streets.
Air is released from the tunnel via the single 63-metre high ventilation stack located west of Harbour Street, between the existing Harris Street and Market Street viaducts above the eastern side of Darling Harbour.
The tunnel has been designed to reduce the need for emissions at the tunnel portals (entrances and exits) and provide better air quality in the tunnel during an incident such as a traffic accident or vehicle breakdown.
In normal operating conditions, air travels east in the eastbound tunnel before being directed into the westbound tunnel to travel to the ventilation stack. A ventilation tunnel has been constructed beneath the road tunnels for use during congested conditions and other incidents. At these times, air from the eastbound tunnel will be transferred into the ventilation tunnel to the ventilation stack. This will mean portal emissions may only be required in extreme circumstances.
Comprehensive air quality monitoring is being undertaken, including a community-based monitoring station operated independently from the RTA. Real-time air quality information from both in-tunnel and external ambient monitors as well as relevant meteorological data such as wind factors are available on www.crosscity.com.au.
Contact
If you have an inquiry please call the Cross City Tunnel on (02) 9033 3999 or email support@crosscity.com.au.
The RTA infoline number for the Cross City Tunnel is 1800 633 332 (free call).
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