M5 Expansion into South Sydney – RTA requests feedback by 12 March 2010
Event details
When
from 09:00 AM to 09:00 AM
Where
M5 Expansion into South Sydney – RTA requests feedback by 19 February 2009
The RTA is exhibiting initial plans for the expansion of the M5. While much of the attention will focus on the duplication of the M5 tunnel to increase capacity the proposal also includes a new two lanes in each direction link to Campbell Road at Sydney Park. This potentially brings more traffic through Redfern Waterloo via Euston Road which it joins at traffic lights. In the proposal the RTA admit that “The RTA would also look at the management of traffic, and possible traffic calming, in the residential areas north of Campbell Road.”
The new surface road follows the proposed corridor for the F6 (Southern Freeway) and proposes single lane ramps to provide access from this new road to Qantas Drive/Airport Drive. It is also located so it can link with the proposed Marrickville tunnel which is to link from near the proposed new road to the M4 to allow movement from the M4 to Port Botany. If the Marrickville tunnel is built the new road will provide the link between it and the M5 connection to the Port. Without the Marrickville tunnel it potentially sends M4 traffic via Campbell Road to Edgeware Road. Currently traffic from the M5 towards Redfern goes via Airport Drive and O’Riordan Street. It is not clear how this traffic is expected to be channelled from the new arterial without creating a more attractive route to the western part of the city through Redfern Waterloo which increases traffic on Gibbons and Regent Streets.
Details of the M5 new surface link are on a special RTA website accessed by www.m5corridorexpansion.com.au. As part of the consultation process the RTA is inviting initial submissions to help identify emerging issues to help scope the environmental assessments. Submissions can be made via the contact page on the website or by email to m5expansion@rta.nsw.gov.au or post to RTA, M5 corridor expansion, PO Box 609, Pyrmont NSW 2009. Submissions are advertised to close on 19 February 2010. There was quite an outcry about the lack of notification and the consultation happening over the holiday season at the public meeting held by Kristine Keneally’s office on 14 December so this might be extended. People should also copy their submissions to their local member so your local MP is also aware of your concerns. This is especially so if the submission deals with the need for broader transport options other than the RTA’s proposal.
See also Minister's Media Statement here
Source - RWIU 18 December 2009