Major milestone for the NorthConnex as commuters drive through tunnels

Sydney motorists have had their first end-to-end drive through the NorthConnex tunnel.

The opening of the tunnel is a milestone for the M1-M2 link in Sydney’s north. On completion it will mean motorists will bypass 40 traffic lights on the Pacific Highway into the CBD.

Twin nine-kilometre tunnels makeup the NorthConnex which is part of a $3 billion overall project.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NorthConnex has already been a game-changer for Sydney with construction powering ahead and creating 8,700 jobs.

“We are so close to finishing NorthConnex and just today we’ve got around 400 workers across 11 sites.”

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NorthConnex, once complete, would save up to 15 minutes’ travel time and allow drivers to avoid 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road.

“The drive-through is another indication of how close we are getting to opening this key piece of infrastructure and helping to alleviate the traffic problems Pennant Hills Road has been experiencing for decades,” Ms. Berejiklian said.

“NorthConnex will return local streets to local communities by taking up to 5,000 trucks per day off Pennant Hills Road, easing congestion, improving safety and local air quality, and reducing traffic noise.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this project has created hundreds of jobs throughout its construction.

“This project is one of many which is moving people safely and more efficiently across Sydney, while creating job opportunities for local workers.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NorthConnex would be an asset Australians could take pride in.

“We’re installing Australian-first innovative lighting designs, including backlit silhouettes of native birds, trees and starry skies, to keep drivers alert in the country’s longest road tunnel,” Mr. Constance said.

“This is a really exciting milestone for a really exciting project.”

The Federal Government is providing $412.3 million towards the NorthConnex with the NSW Government providing $577.3 million. This includes the use of the Hornsby Quarry for spoil management. The private sector has provided the remainder of funding.

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