Local street improvements following the opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel
Roads and Maritime Services and local government have reviewed impacts on local residential streets following the opening of the Lane Cove Tunnel. Roads and Maritime Services and councils consulted the community to develop plans that:
- Make drivers aware that they are entering a residential area.
- Make residential streets a less desirable through route by reducing road width and slowing traffic.
- Improve safety for pedestrians by narrowing the road width to make crossing easier.
As part of the process, Roads and Maritime Services was required to prepare local area traffic management plans prior to opening the Lane Cove Tunnel. As part of this plan, Roads and Maritime Services undertook before and after traffic counts on local streets located in the local government areas of North Sydney, Lane Cove, Willoughby and Ryde. This was to determine if the operation of the Lane Cove Tunnel caused changes in traffic volumes and driver behaviour in local residential streets.
Where are we now?
After considering community comments, Roads and Maritime Services finalised the plans and in consultation with local councils, submitted them to the Director General of the Department of Planning for approval.
In summary, many of the increases in traffic volumes that were predicted in the Lane Cove Tunnel Environmental Impact Statement (October 2001), did not occur. In many instances, traffic volumes were reported as similar to, or less than, the 'before' counts taken in the same period in 2004.
Roads and Maritime Services presented the results of the traffic counts to local councils in June 2009. It was agreed that the Roads and Maritime Services should proceed with the local street improvements as discussed with the community 2006.
Further information`
For enquiries regarding the local street improvements, please call Roads and Maritime Services on (02) 8588 5720.
View or download documents regarding traffic counts and community consultation.