MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

I am writing to express my objections to the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2. I have recently purchased a property in Rozelle based on the advertised vision laid out in the Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Please listen to community concerns and reinstate the Greenlink connecting communities and green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park. The community deserves a long term vision that prioritises people and their safety. I am concerned that the modification will lead people onto busy streets and unsafe, depressing concrete plazas and caged cycle ways. Furthermore, the amendments are a backward step which will impact on the character of the Annandale and Rozelle. Please honour your earlier plan which will create human focused infrastructure.

Attn: Secretary, re: WestConnex M4/M5 EIS, Project Number SSI 16_7485.

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services

I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 - The Cresent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

I request RMS work with the community to explore alternative design options to the proposed new car overpass design and the proposed changes to pedestrian and cyclist links to the Rozelle Bay Foreshore.

I am seeking the reinstatement of the safe and 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.

I object to the “Cahill Expressway” type overpass that is proposed in Mod 2 which cuts off safe direct access from North Annandale to the Foreshore and is a visual "eyesore".

The Greenlink is more than just a walkway – it puts people central to the design maximising safety, and providing much needed accessible open space for the local community, and visiting people now and in the future of the Bays Precinct.

My Key Concerns with the M4-M5 Modifications are:

The significant reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists with the removed access over The Cresent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic along Johnson street with kids needing to cross Johnston st to Annandale North Public school and Annandale Public School.

Removal of direct active links to the foreshore, cutting the community and visitors to the future Bays Precinct.

Cutting off direct link from Rozelle Bay Light Rail stop to Rozelle Bay!! The proposed overpass in MOD 2 will block the view of Rozelle Bay from passengers alighting at Rozelle Light Rail stop. Instead they will be greeted with the sight of the concrete side of a roadway.

Urban and landscape design that has been built before a finalised Masterplan for the area.

Adhoc approaches and the “land grab” mentality of works being currently carried out at the intersection of Westlink and The Cresent. I do not understand why established palm trees 25 metres plus in height were recently cut down on the foreshore site of the intersection. Rozelle Interchange documents show this area to be unchanged.

My Submission is asking RMS and the Project Team to:

Reinstate the GreenLink connecting Rozelle and Annandale North to Bicentennial Park Foreshore for the benefit of communities and future Bays Precinct Visitors and Workers.

Redesign pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct.

Design the modification infrastructure and active links in keeping 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 them onto busier streets and unsightly concrete plazas with views blocked by adjacent unsightly roadway overpasses.

Integrate active and direct connections to all active transport – including the future Metro West and Foreshore Ferry Wharf

Furthermore, Burruwan Park being destroyed by the Rozelle interchange is a DISGRACE. Putting ineffective private car use and private company interests ahead of Public Amenity and Public Transport.
See attached a map of realignment of westconnex to avoid the destruction of Burruwan Park.

Yours sincerely,
Norman Joe

I object to the project because the proposed modification makes it very difficult to live in my townhouse, (Bridgeview 13/300 Johnston St Annandale) and for me to get out of my own garage.
1. There is a large elevated overpass planned to be build right in front of my townhouse. This will increase NOISE levels and POLLUTION both during building AND after completion at ALL times of the day and night
2. I will have NO access to drive out of my carpark and head Westbound towards the Annandale shops or to the Tramsheds in anyway, as my only option would be to turn left, Eastbound. I will be isolated, and restricted to travel in only one direction in what will be a hugely congested area right outside my garage
3. I will have great difficulty trying to walk across The Crescent to access Rozelle Bay foreshore from my townhouse and from my tramstop (Rozelle Bay) and will have to walk a longer route through 5 sets of traffic lights
4. The surrounding local streets will be heavily congested with locals trying to either get on to The Crescent, or trying to avoid The Crescent

I suggest RMS make a plan that makes the area better for the PEOPLE (residents of Bridgeview) and allow the people;
1. Freedom to drive in several directions out of their garage to access surrounding suburbs
2. To access the foreshore in a simpler and safer way, to have a broad green shared user path that is GREEN with vegetation and not just a metal caged walkway.
3. A small treed park below the Rozelle light rail is being removed and we need more TREES planted to compensate.
4. We residents need better pedestrian and cyclist access out of our townhouses that is safe and direct.
5. We residents need a safer and more flexible access to Annandale shops exiting our garage at Bridgeview.
6. Our townhouses need PERMANENT quality double glazing in our windows facing the proposed elevated overpass to reduce noise which will be 24 hours 7 days a week

As a parent with children who use Bicentennial Park and the foreshore walk regularly, I am deeply concerned about the proposed modification's impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety, with five sets of traffic light crossing just to cross from Johnson St at The Crescent to the parklands and increased traffic along Johnson St close to school walking routes.
The original GreenLink plan put people first. It would have encouraged the active use of the foreshore, and enable its rejuvenation as a beautiful part of Sydney Harbour. Now it will be a freeway bypass, inhospitable to all the people who want to walk their dogs, take the kids to the park, run, walk... Instead, this modification puts cars ahead of people, and rejects the opportunity to finally connect the neighbourhoods of Lilyfield, Rozelle and Annandale with a continuous open green space. We could have had a destination walkway, which would encourage more people to use the light rail, metro and proposed ferry routes, and to walk to one of the many schools in the neighbourhood. Now we will have a concrete, heat-intensive freeway obstructing access to the foreshore.
I am also deeply concerned that it will add to the congestion into The Crescent and around North Annandale, which has few alternative routes to access the Anzac Bridge or Forest Lodge. This area will continue to grow (as Harold Park has already demonstrated, and the proposed Bays Precinct design will encourage), and there seems to be no planning to mitigate this risk.
I urge you to reconsider this modification. Please consult with community and put people first. Please work with us to develop a new feasible alternative that incorporates the best elements of the approved EIS GreenLink design.

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39 Sydney, NSW 2001
Application: SSI 7485
Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,

I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.
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 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 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 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.

Yours Sincerely,
Sophi Bruce
43 Foucart St
Rozelle
NSW 2039
[email protected]

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39 Sydney, NSW 2001
Application: SSI 7485

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,
I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

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 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 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 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.

Yours Sincerely,
Paul Newman
43 Foucart St
[email protected]

See attached.

Please see my attached submission

The proposed changes to the layout of the intersection will restrict pedestrian traffic moving to the Glebe foreshore and to the pedestrian path between the Rozelle Bay light rail station. I run or cycle to work from Leichhardt to the city and my sons train for AFL at Jubilee Oval. The proposed changes will significantly impede our travel in both instances.
However, I recognise that the current intersection layout is a significant bottleneck and in need of upgrade as part of this project. I urge the Westconnex Project to develop an improved design which facilitates ease of pedestrian traffic to the Glebe foreshore from the area of Rozelle Bay light rail station. For example, a pedestrian and bicycle overpass closer to the light rail bridge might allow both objectives to be achieved.

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,

I am a resident of Annandale, NSW. My family and I are concerned about the proposed changes to the Greenlink plan. I write regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to pedestrian infrastructure in North Annandale, Rozelle and Rozelle Bay Foreshore area.

We love this area. Please don’t let it become a featureless, dangerous, concrete spaghetti junction.

My family and neighbours feel that we are about to be trapped in a small triangle of land locked by major road arteries. We are already affected by the increase of traffic interrupting our use of our suburb since the opening of the M4 tunnel at Haberfield, with long queues of traffic on roads that previously flowed freely. We can no longer cross CityWestLink to or from Annandale or Leichhardt without significant delays at any point between Catherine Street and Darley Rd. We are afraid that RMS will allow the next phase of the Westconnex at Rozelle to turn the area into an enormous spaghetti junction and that would be a terrible mistake for NSW.

We want better planning for the next phase, and desperately want RMS to maintain our local links between Annandale and Rozelle. It would be wonderful if you can manage the expansion of the road traffic without destroying the links we have between our communities and locations. For example, we love to take our dog to Jubilee Park at Annandale, but fear that this will be further restricted if the Johnston St/ Crescent overpass goes ahead. We often walk, cycle or drive between these suburbs, and this area is vibrant and beautiful. We use the shops and parks, meet friends and take part in community events in this area. Please look after it.

In addition, I fully endorse the Rozelle and Annandale Foreshore Community letter.

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 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 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 them 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
● Maintain access from Johnson St direct to Jubilee Park; maintain the right hand turn from Johnson St to the Crescent
● Maintain the link and bike route between Rozelle Light Rail and the Glebe foreshore
● Protect the mural and its open aspect.

Find another way to manage the traffic between the Crescent and City Westlink without compromising the Greenlink!

I have only just been made aware of this proposal and request an extension of time of two weeks to evaluate the proposal and its impact

16th September 2019

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39 Sydney, NSW 2001
Re: Application: SSI -7485 -Mod-2

Dear Director of Transport Assessments Planning Services,
We are Lilyfield residents who are dismayed to learn of a proposed modification to the M4-M5 Link in the form of a car overpass being fitted into the Rozelle Interchange at the expense of the GreenLink that was promised to the community. We are writing to express our opposition to this and to explain why we think it is a terrible idea.
The original plan put to the community and which gained overwhelming support was to create a pedestrian and cyclist GreenLink that would provide safe, continuous and direct access to the foreshore. By removing this from the Rozelle Interchange plan not only has the community been misled and betrayed but the modification will create dangerous and tricky situations whereby pedestrians will have to cross four sets of lights to reach the foreshore while cyclists have to navigate a 120 metre intersection in front of a three-lane tunnel. This is not only a thoughtless design, but it completely cuts the community off from the foreshore with an ugly car overpass ripping through the heart of the neighbourhood.
What do we want? We seek 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 is more than just a walk way — it puts people central to the design while maximising safety, and provides much needed accessible open space for the community now and into the future Bays Precinct design.
Our 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 on adjacent streets;
• 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;
• 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.
Alongside these issues our other concerns include:
• Increased pollution and loss of green space. We were promised everything would be underground and now we are being shown a different reality with a proposed overpass that will eat away at much-needed open space while adding an eyesore to the landscape (on top of the three smokestacks that will already be a blight on the neighbourhood);
• Increased traffic and bottlenecks on Victoria Road if the Crescent and Victoria Road are directly linked.
We ask 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;
• 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.
Please immediately put people back into the plan and reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056.
We are confident that you will consider our submission and all those from other concerned members of the affected suburbs to work with the community to reinstate people at the heart of the design. Rozelle, Lilyfield, Annandale, Glebe and Forest Lodge are bearing the brunt of the Rozelle Interchange and we rest optimistic that the RMS will work to ensure that the GreenLink, in the form it was promised, will be reinstated for the benefit of the community.
Yours Sincerely,
Sallie Beaumont & Duncan Thomas
Lilyfield NSW 2040