MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

This project absolutely neglects the needs and desires of the community and should absolutely not go ahead. Any possible benefits that could come out of this are by far outweighed by the severe disruption it would cause to pedestrians, users of the park and the community as a whole.

I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. It is already difficult being a pedestrian or cyclist in this area, with high amounts of car traffic making it unpleasant to navigate on foot or bike but The GreenLink made it safe, quick and easy to get to the parklands on the foreshore. It is such a beautiful part of the city but the Rozelle Interchange is going to change that and we really do need any pedestrian areas we can get.
My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
-The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
-Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop.
-Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
-Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
-Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

As someone who enjoys cycling to work with my toddler, taking another car off the road and therefore reducing traffic congestion, this Greenlink is really important to me and I would love to be involved in a new design plan to make this Greenlink either stay where it is, or another feasible solution created.

Yet another Covert, Greedy, Disregarding approach by the Liberal NSW Govt. to bulldoze their way through this city without consultation (bloody hard to actually find out about) or care for the impact. Carving up the inner west is utterly destroying the fabric of the city and what it means to live not only close to one of the best cities in the world, but to be surrounded by such accessible and natural beauty that is Blackwattle Bay, Bicentennial Park and Glebe island. STOP STOP STOP GLADYS NOW!!!

We would like to see the green link from Rozelle bay kept and safe and direct access to the foreshore from Johnstone street. My husband rides his bike from a Rozelle and needs the direct green link. We access the foreshore and Jubilee Park from Johnstone street at least 10 times per week, each way!!!

I object wholeheartedly to the Rozelle overpass.

A) It is such a dramatic change from the plan which is completely unfair and unreasonable.

and B) what an eyesore! You are proposing to turn a piece or potential suburban beauty into an ugly, unreasonable monolith.

I agree with progress and so far have been supportive of the West Connex to the best of my ability, but having it leap out of the ground and ruin the landscape so dramatically is completely unfair. It will paint such a divide in the inner west and make Rozelle, Annandale and Balmain look like the juncture of the M4/M7.

Keep it underground as proposed and keep that little part of Sydney attractive, yet functional in a modern progressive sense. An overpass will ruin the whole aesthetic of the inner west!

We were promised an underground tunnel with a pedestrian overpass which I did not object to and now this has totally changed to a very obtrusive vehicular overpass with no pedestrian link.
It will be an absolute eyesore and is a very cheap and bad design concept. Not happy!

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,
Although I understand the intention of the proposed design, I request RMS work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The proposed GreenLink was more than just a walk way - it put people central to the design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.
I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan – I want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with the community to design a feasible option that brings the best elements from the approved EIS design into the modification.
My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
● The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
● Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop.
● Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
● Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
● Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
● Reinstate the GreenLink directly connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park.
● Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
● Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and its potential future development.
● Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force us onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
● Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf.

Yours Sincerely,
Dan Sturrock

I strongly oppose this modification to the original underground underpass at the intersection of the City West Link and The Crescent. Westconnex is already a serious blight on our city, and an LA style overpass will only contribute to a city that prioritises vehicles over people. It will destroy greenspace, and public access to foreshore parks. The proposal is in complete contravention of the conditions of consent for this project and for that reason alone is not acceptable. The impact on the liveability and landscape of the area is equally unacceptable, creating a bulky eyesore as well as making it harder for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park and destroying over 70 trees in the process. Nor will this overpass address traffic congestion problems. The only thing that will do that is providing more public transport, not more roads for private vehicles. This overpass must not be built and the applicants must be obliged to adhere to the original conditions of consent. Residential amenity in the surrounding suburbs is the priority not infrastructure that perpetuates generation of future vehicular traffic.

As a nearby resident I am opposed to the project for the following reasons:
This is NOT what was given consent, agreed too or communicated to residents who are state government taxpayers. The tunnel was approved instead. You don't get to reneg on a deal.
An elevated highway will have a devastating impact on the local community who use local facilities like the parks and paths. I have previously lived in UK cities like Birmingham with such constructions next to inner city residents and it turns an area into a run-down depressing eyesore.
I do not trust the State Government to compensate any local residents whose properties will devalue greatly from this variation, hitting local struggling families who are stretched to pay off their mortgages
It will have a devastating impact on a beautiful but busy local harbour side location
Adverse impact on the many local residents of North Annandale who despite having chosen to live in an inner city suburb suddenly find themselves next to flyovers rather than the promised tunnel
Unacceptable and unnecessary visual impact, and obstruct a significant local mural;
Make it more difficult for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield;
Destroy over 70 trees including the large, mature fig trees at Buruwan Park; and
Fail to solve Sydney's traffic congestion problem.

Rozelle Interchange Modification - Make a Submission - Objection Planning for people not cars.

I strongly object to Annandale and the inner west being short changed with antiquated design being considered with an overpass being put forward.
One of the things that sets liveable cities apart globally is ample greenspace, public access to foreshores and world-class public transport.
That’s why the new plan to expand their WestConnex tollway by building a monstrous overpass at Annandale is a major concern for our community.
Following a review of the initial designs for the Rozelle Interchange (AKA WestConnex Stage 3b), RMS and the contractor John Holland have proposed a new elevated overpass to allow motorists to bypass traffic lights at the intersection of The Crescent and City West Link.
It is Outrageous for the inner west that an overpass is being considered in Annandale.
This link was originally planned as an underground 'underpass' at the intersection of the City West Link and The Crescent. But the RMS and their contractor are now proposing to build a two-lane overpass up to eight metres above the City West Link.
This plan completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and threatens to impose even more on the landscape and liveability of our local area.
I’m concerned that this Los Angeles style overpass will:
• Have an unacceptable and unnecessary visual impact, and obstruct a significant local mural;
Lock residents in a traffic jam just trying to get in and out of the suburb. Minogue crescent is a major rout for traffic flow in and out of annandale
• Make it more difficult for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield;
• Destroy over 70 trees including the large, mature fig trees at Buruwan Park; and
• Fail to solve Sydney's traffic congestion problem.
COME ON ITS TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING BY PEOPLE
I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS EVEN ON THE CARDS IN THIS MODERN ERA. ONE DAY CRIMINAL CHARGES WILL BE BROUGHT FORWARD AGAINST THIS MESS

This proposal represents a significant loss in amenity for residents. The original approved scheme had direct and convenient pedestrian and cycle access from roselle to the Glebe foreshore, and from there onto Pyrmont, central, Glebe and beyond. Travel in this direction is otherwise inconvenient by public transport.

The proposed scheme provides a pedestrian and bike path to nowhere. The submission discusses at length how the shared green cycle link connects to the tram stop. Why would cyclists need to go to the tram stop? Why is it reasonable to add two major and dangerous intersection crossings to any pedestrian or cyclist heading to the foreshore?

In addition, pedestrians and cyclists will have to climb a significantly higher elevation to cross the roads.

This option forms a barrier that effectively cuts Rozelle and Balmain off from neighbouring suburbs to foot and cycle traffic.

Redesign request to create continuous green open space linking Rozelle/Lilyfield to Jubilee Park. See attachment for further details

First I need to complain that this a difficult and cumbersome site to use, and surely must deter people from making submissions.

Comments on the MOD2
This overpass is not what was originally proposed, which was underground.
This link was originally planned as an underground 'underpass' at the intersection of the City West Link and The Crescent. Now it's an unsightly and disruptive two-lane overpass up to eight metres above the City West Link.

This plan completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and threatens to impose even more on the landscape and liveability of our local area.

My concerns this Los Angeles style overpass will:
It will have an unacceptable and unnecessary visual impact, and obstruct a significant local mural with important heritage value as well as the attractive railway bridge;
It will make it more difficult for pedestrians to access Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield, The proposed pedestrian bridge further north up the City West Link creates an unnecessarily long walk for pedestrians and an unnecessarily high climb of 5+ metres.
Alarmingly, tree destruction has already begun with more to come, an estimated 70 trees including the large, mature fig trees at Buruwan Park; and
It offers no advantages to public transport with additional travel times expected, in fact it will be slower and will not solve Sydney's traffic congestion problem.

The impact document actually predicts increases in congestion:
To quote from the document: "Travel times from City West Link to Anzac Bridge are
forecast to improve as a result of the Modifcation,
however, an increase in traffic able to enter the network
is likely to impact parts of the network already forecast
to be congested such as Victoria Road northbound in the
AM peak."
"• Public transport travel time impacts are consistent with
those of general traffic. Generally travel time impacts
are consistent with those reported in the EIS with some
additional travel time impacts forecast on Victoria Road
northbound in the AM peak. "

The MOD2 document mentions 'minimal impact' several times, but what does that actually mean?

More residents will be affected by noise and vibration and potential damage to property.

There is also a predicted increase in traffic noise on Johnson Street.

I must also object to the lack of accessible information available to Rozelle / Annandale / Lilyfield residents on these proposed changes and Westconnex and its impacts generally. It was quite a shock to travel along the Anzac Bridge this week and see so many trees destroyed already.

In short the changed design puts the needs of motorists ahead of pedestrians, cyclists and local residents. It is vastly different from what was originally approved, and will substantially change the visual appearance and amenity of the area. Once again, there is no focus on improving public transport, and addressing climate change through reducing car use and improving public transport.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

I object to the overpass on the crescent which was promised to be underground and now will be an overpass. My objections are based on two concerns firstly having watched the destruction of so many trees in the area, this will mean many more. Secondly, the landscape will now reflect more roads and concrete which will not be in keeping with the original promise.

I am very disappointed to see that the original plans for the Rozelle Interchange, which provided clear access between Annandale and the Rozelle Bay/Glebe/Bicentennial Park foreshore, are now being considered for modification. As an active member of the community who regularly makes use of the foreshore for exercise and activity, the proposal to put in place a vehicular overpass which will create a barrier between the suburb of Annandale and the natural foreshore is nothing short of disgusting. The residents of Annandale and Rozelle are already taking on a massive burden with the construction of the interchange (don't get me started on the smoke stacks!), but to also wall in the suburb by with an overpass is unnecessary and belligerent behaviour. I actively encourage RMS to work with the community to explore alternate design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian and cyclist links. I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe, direct access from the approved EIS GreenLink to create a continuous green open space connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore. The GreenLink put people at the centre of the original design, maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design. Unfortunately, priority appears to now have been given to vehicles - to the detriment of residents, pedestrians and cyclists.
I am requesting RMS put people back into the plan and work with the community to reinstate the vision laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056.

My key concerns with the M4-M5 Modification are:
● The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson Street.
● Being required to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at The Crescent as my option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from Rozelle Bay light rail stop.
● Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community off from the area and the proposed revitalisation of the entire Bays Precinct, including linking the Light Rail and Bus stops to a Ferry wharf and Metro station.
● Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.
● Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

I am also incredibly disheartened to see that demolition work has already commenced in Buruwan Park - even though the submission period for this modification has not yet passed. It would appear, yet again, that community consultation is an illusion - just paying lip service while the destruction/construction continues unabated.

My submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:
● Reinstate the GreenLink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park.
● Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.
● Design the modification infrastructure and active links in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and it’s potential future development.
● Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force us onto busier streets, unsafe concrete plazas and caged walkways.
● Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf.

We recently bought a house in Rozelle and have moved in based on the original proposal. The modifications affect pedestrian and cyclist access to the foreshore on the Crescent and introduce visual and noise/air pollution on the shared path. The change to the green link radically detracts from the potentially community friendly access to the park. This looks to be short sighted and would greatly affect future generations in this area through a breakdown of highly valuable green space. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get the plan right, not take short cuts to save money.

Lack of green space provide in new plan.
Too many lights for pedestrian crossing.
Request for improved bicycle paths.

I object to the proposed change to the project to include an overpass at the intersection of the Rozelle rail yards and the Crescent.

The proposed change will create an unacceptable visual mass that is out of keeping with the surrounding area and the approved plans. The site is right next to prime waterfront real estate as well as the new parkland that will be created on the old Rozelle rail yard site. Creating an overpass might mean an incremental saving on costs of the project, but the impact on the surrounding landscape will last forever, and will not be able to be easily walked back. While there will be additional upfront costs in completing this project as an 'underpass' the entire community will reap the longterm benefits from things such as:

- the uninterrupted use of the originally proposed green path;
- the fact that there will be no overpass dominating the landscape immediately adjacent to the park and waterfront;
- better and uninterrupted pedestrian and cycle access;
- no loss of surrounding vegetation, including the mature fig trees in the surrounding area.

the Westconnex project is already having an enormous impact on the community around the Rozelle/Annandale area. A commitment was made at the time of the original approval that there would be no unsightly spaghetti junction aboveground at Rozelle. Allowing this proposed amendment would go against that original approval, and the commitments that were made to the local community.

Sydney's built landscape has too many examples of unnecessary overpasses destroying or unduly impacting the surrounding areas. Completing the underpass as a tunnel may be the harder course in the short term, but it will be by far the better option for all those in the Sydney and Inner West communities in the long run.

Kind regards

James Gonczi
Glebe Resident

This amendment is completely unethical by the government. Original community support was based on preserving the local community green space and heritage. A government is responsible for reflecting community values and to act with ethical standards based on these values. This amendment will have an extreme impact on those who live within this area and remove the promised accessibility to green space. A government needs to be a role model to our children and changing policy to save costs and difficulty is a poor example. Also the amendment will have an extreme impact on the noise levels within the local community due to the raise structure as opposed to the original under ground plan.

The new modification has major flaws which require urgent reconsideration and further modification to fix. The issues with the current design are:

- it will greatly increase traffic along Johnston Street. Annandale North primary school is where my children, and many other children in the local area, go to school. It sits on Johnston Street, and turning Johnston street into a much busier street will endanger the lives of Annandale’s children as they arrive at and leave school. Any design that increases traffic flow on Johnston Street and puts the safety of primary school children at risk needs to be urgently reconsidered.

- the design prevents cars from turning right from Johnston Street onto The Crescent. This will result in greatly increased traffic flow on View Street as cars seek alternative avenues to turn onto the Crescent. View street is a beautiful quiet street that narrows to become one way as it intersects with The Crescent. The houses are very close to the road and many young children live on the street. Turning quiet streets like View Street into rat runs will greatly impact the liveability of the street and put children at risk.

- the proposed overpass at the Crescent across the city west link intersection will create a horrible eye-sore on the north Annandale area, whilst also blocking the mural. This kind of road must be sunk under the Rozelle railywards to prevent the major degradation of the area, not unlike the impact of the Cahill express way on circular quay. Annandale is a lovely quiet and visually attractive area to live in with quaint cottages. This will destroy its visual appeal and ambiance. Please urgently reconsider this overpass and if such a road is necessary it should be sunk under ground

- the new design cuts off Annandale from the harbour front and parkland. One of Annandale’s best features is its access to harbour front and parklands, but this design creates multiple intersections that must be crossed to access the harbour front and increases the size and traffic flow along the roads that separate the two. Other parts of Sydney are investing in improving access to harbour fronts and parklands to improve community spaces and lifestyles. This design does the exact opposite, degrading our water front and making it less usable and enjoyable. This can be easily solved by reducing the number of lanes on the crescent, restricting traffic flow and sinking the overpass. Please protect our park land and harbour front and resident access to these great community spaces and reconsider this design

Thank you for taking the time to read this submission. I hope you make the right choices that protect our community and children.

Thanks
Ben