The Cross City Tunnel motorway runs in an east-west direction between the eastern side of Darling Harbour and Kings Cross, linking the Western Distributor to New South Head Road. It also connects to the Eastern Distributor. Traffic can flow directly from the eastern suburbs to the northern parts of the CBD and then the northern suburbs via the bridge and harbour tunnel crossings.

The tunnel improves travel times for commuters by taking them below the city. The tunnel reaches a maximum depth of 53 metres below Hyde Park.The Cross City Tunnel project has resulted in a safer and more pleasant street environment for pedestrians, residents and workers by removing traffic, improving air quality and providing more footpath space in some locations.

The Cross City Tunnel is operated by Cross City Motorway Pty Ltd. For information on using the Cross City Tunnel, click here.  

Benefits

Improving public transport was a key focus of the Cross City Tunnel project.  Bus priority lanes were implemented as a result of shifting some traffic under ground. As a result bus travel is faster and more reliable.

Local communities benefits include:  

• Local streets are safer and more pleasant for pedestrians, residents and workers with some intrusive through traffic removed to the tunnel, and more footpath space made available  in
  some streets (for example, William Street).
• The creation of a landscaped 'pocket park' over the eastern entrance/exit of the tunnel at Rushcutters Bay.
• The reduction in travel times for trips across the city to approximately 2 minutes by avoiding 18 sets of traffic lights.  Surface trips can take over 20 minutes.
• Improved access and movement across the city for taxis, delivery vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Improve reliability of bus services in the city.
• Improved air quality, particularly at street level.
• The installation of cycleways.
• Upgrades to local parks and roadside landscaping.
• Preservation of heritage sites.

Ownership

The Cross City Motorway was contracted to build and operate the Cross City Tunnel. This is a privately owned, special purpose company created solely for the Cross City Tunnel project.  Their engaged the Baulderstone Hornibrook / Bilfinger Berger (BHBB) Joint Venture to design and construct the project. Leighton Contractors maintain and operate the tunnel.  The tunnel is scheduled to revert to public ownership in 2035.  

Air quality and the Cross City Tunnel

Sydney's motorway tunnels are operated in accordance with the conditions of approval set by the Minister for Planning for each project and include strict air quality goals for both inside and outside the tunnels.

For more information about air quality, click here.