MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

I have written comments in the attached document.

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

I ask that the RMS work with the community on other design alternatives to the proposed new car overpass design and the changed pedestrian cyclist links. Please reinstate safe, direct access from the approved EIS Greenlink to create continuous green open space connection from Rozelle Rail Yards to Annandale and the foreshore. The Greenlink is more than a walk wak - it was designed with people in mind, maximising safety and providing a much needed community green space for now and in the future.

My key concerns are -
1. The significantly reduced safety and increased risk for pedestrians and cyclist with removed access over the Crescent to Bicentennial Park and the increased traffic this creates along Johnson Street
2. Requirement to cross five sets of pedestrian lights at the Crescent as the only option to reach the foreshore from Annandale or from the Rozelle Bay light rail stop
3. 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.
4. Urban and landscape design that is being built before a finalised Masterplan is in place.
5. Traffic changes that limit movements around the suburb and create further congestion in the local streets of Annandale, Forest Lodge, Lilyfield, Glebe and Rozelle with no planning to manage these
6. Amendments to design that are already a challenge in the area and change the landscape and community feel of the current plan.

Please
1. Reinstate the Greenlink connecting communities to green open space from Rozelle to Bicentennial Park
2. Relocate and design pedestrian and cyclist connections that are continuous, safe and direct
3. Design the modification and infrastructure in response to the character of the suburbs, the location of the foreshore and its potential future development
4. Provide pedestrian and cyclist paths that maximise people safety and do not force them onto busier streets and unsafe spaces
5. Keep access from Lilyfield and Annandale to Bicentennial Park available to all forms of transport - not just focused on the simplicity of design for a road

Many thanks

Pedestrian access to the new parks and the foreshore should be reinstated.

Please see attached submission with objections

I think the modification would represent a significant reduction in the quality of the finished project.

With a young family living in the area, we were extremely excited about the prospect of a clean, beautiful and functional green pathway to connect the inner west to the Anzac Bridge and into the city.

We were definitely planning on riding bikes into the city and enjoying the planned green space. And this doesn’t looks to be anywhere nearly as attractive in the modified plan.

I also think there are few chances to keep the harbour foreshore maintained to its natural spectacular self. And it would be a real pity to put a traffic eyesore right next to it.

Please reconsider the proposed plans.

I, my family and many thousands of locals and visitors will thank you for your decision if it can return to the original plan and add even more to there magnificent city we live in.

Greg Peake
34 Tillock St
Haberfield

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 – we want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out inTransport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with us 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.

Alongside these issues my other concerns include:
POOR CONSULTATION
I’m very concerned with the lack of community consultation around this modification which — if you’re honest with yourselves — is a complete redesign of this intersection. Nearly everyone I talked to a week ago knew NOTHING about this change.
This type of behaviour appears as if RMS is trying to sneak through major changes to our local area and only exacerbates the rift between you and the community.
MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE’VE GOT
As a parent of four (4) kids who attend Annandale North Primary and as a local resident of over 4 years myself, my family and friends are all frequent users of our local green spaces. We are particularly lucky to be able to walk down to the water on the Glebe Foreshore to exercise, participate in local sport, walk our dog (we all have small yards here), run to work via the bay, or just exercise. This open space is of huge importance to us and the wellbeing of the people that live in this busy
city. Sydney is SO lucky to be on the harbour and we should be doing everything we can to sensitively design infrastructure around this asset — not compromise access through lazy design. The overpass has been dumped in the middle of the plan and everything has been changed to fit around it. You need to change the priorities and put people back as a priority stakeholder in this plan.
PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
A good design would optimise around unique and valuable assets (Harbour/Foreshore) and balance the needs of all stakeholders with special attention paid to those most at risk (pedestrians, cyclists).
HONOURING PROMISES MADE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Approved Environmental Impact Statement at https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent
?AttachRef=SSI-7485%2120190227T231413.342%20GMT p8 details several principals which have been completely abandoned by this modification:
● Connect and provide for communities The concept offers a parkland destination that works to stitch together previously separated communities by
providing a range of social infrastructure at a central, easily accessible location. MOD 2 fails this principal
● Enhance green links The concept reactivates closed-off land through new green spaces and links. These links strategically establish a new green “interaction”
connecting a series of significant yet fragmented [future and existing] green spaces in and around White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle, Balmain, Glebe and Annandale. MOD 2
removes direct access
● Respond to the local character Respecting and maintaining the unique heritage, industrial character and topography of the Rozelle Rail Yards through interpretation. A massive concrete overpass obstructing a historically significant local mural and concrete plaza — really?
● Revitalise streets for equality of mobility New public spaces and much-needed universally accessible links establish entirely new “public streets” and enhance the
surrounding neighbourhood. If, like me, you’ve pushed a heavy pram up long, steep ramps, looked after two kids on scooters on their way to the park or
volunteered to supervise 60 school kids on their way to the park MOD2 is NOT an enhancement

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
Furthermore I suggest:
Greater thought be give to how we in North Annandale in particular can access the recently undertaken development of the new skate park. It is specifically designed for children to use and not being able to access it safely is a massive oversight.
Yours Sincerely,
David Schwarz

I wish to formally object to the proposal to replace a tunnel with an overpass contained in The Crescent Overpass and Active Transport Links Modification Report, August 2019, (the Current Proposal), on the following grounds:

Relocation of the Green Link
Consent for the original proposal (by way of a tunnel) was conditional on a Green Link, which was to connect the new parklands of the Rozelle Goods Yard directly to the Rozelle Bay foreshore and Bicentennial Park. The Current Proposal seeks to re-locate this link, replacing it with a series of extended ramps and bridges that run alongside a new motorway overpass. There is no longer a direct connection between the Rozelle Goods Yard and the Rozelle Bay foreshore. Moreover, pedestrian and cycle access from the northern end of Johnston Street to the Glebe foreshore will require crossing four(!) sets of traffic lights, versus the current one. Alternative pedestrian access to the foreshore will require an estimated minimum of 20 minutes, much of which is alongside a raised motorway overpass. The Current Proposal is deeply lacking in consideration for pedestrians, cyclists and residents, prioritising motorists above all other users of this public space.

Visual impact
The modifications encompassed by the Current Proposal will result in a significant and purely negative visual impact on this area of Annandale. The proposed overpass will dominate and destroy the local landscape—a landscape listed as a heritage conservation area, according to Inner West Council. Such modifications go far beyond the conditions of the original consent.

Noise pollution
The Current Proposal will result in significant noise pollution to people and property across a large area. With prevailing westerly and northerly winds, this will particularly affect a large part of northern Annandale and its many residents.

Removal of right turn out of Johnston St into the Crescent
The current right turn from Johnston St into the Crescent allows motorists to travel from Annandale and surrounding suburbs to Glebe, without using Booth Street. Removing this right turn will mean increased traffic through local streets, particularly Booth Street, resulting in increased noise and vehicle emissions throughout Annandale.

Destruction of community
Annandale is a village-like suburb, with a quiet atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Construction of an inherently noisy overpass will have a significant adverse impact on the area. It is a healthy, friendly and supportive community with values the government should be fostering. We believe the proposed modifications will change this detrimentally in every way.

I understand that the reason for modifications to the original proposal are financial. However, a proper cost/benefit analysis that fails to account for the above objections will give a flawed result. The loss of property values and lifestyle of thousands of people in Annandale and its environs seems to have been omitted from these calculations.
For the reasons detailed above, I oppose the Current Proposal and ask that it be modified to encompass a more human-centred design—a design that would allow the construction of a much needed piece of Sydney infrastructure to proceed without unnecessarily destroying so much of what makes this part of Sydney such as wonderful place to live.

I strongly object to the overpass modification. It will create a 1970's LA style freeway overpass that is not only a blight on the landscape it provides a dangerous barrier to access the park and foreshore from Lilyfield for anyone on foot, including school children and the elderly who rely on public transport. We are already isolated from the Annandale Glebe foreshore with limited one-way car access over Catherine streets. None of the planning has even considered improving that for the people on this side of the City Westlink despite endless political debate and billions of dollars of budget. These proposed changes will further restrict the movement of local residents and force traffic onto our narrow suburban streets. The only community advantage from this interchange was the pedestrian and cycling access that it will bring to the community and now you are reneging on the promised plan. Please reconsider the design to remove this proposed ugly, noisy and outdated structure that looks like an ill-conceived planning error. The character of the area and uses of the foreshore are inherent in the lifestyle of the local community and this needs to be maintained. We deserve to have safe access to the enjoy the parklands and the future public transport developments on the harbour foreshore without having to cross a 120m intersection with our families.

Application number SSI 7485
I am totally opposed to this modification which is the total opposite to the design originally sold to the community. Traffic was supposed to be below ground and not in unsightly fly-overs. This new design puts the needs of motorists ahead of pedestrians, cyclists and local residents. The proposed pedestrian bridge creates an unnecessarily long walk for pedestrians. Other options should be considered that prioritise the continuous green link from Rozelle Goods Yard to Jubilee Park.
This overpass will impose significant negative visual impact on Annandale and its surrounds. It involves the removal of even more mature trees unnecessarily. At a time of impending environmental crisis it would be nice if the NSW government could reflect this by choosing sustainable transport infrastructure instead of concrete monstrosities that do not serve the community.

I am opposed to this project and object to the lack of public consultation. My submission is attached.

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.

Alongside these issues my other concerns include:
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.

Furthermore I cannot stress enough how disappointing and shocking it is to witness the destruction of Buruwan Park - such horrible environmental vandalism when the planet can least afford it.

Yours Sincerely,
Name: Elizabeth Maloney

I object to the modification to Westconnext at the Cresent in Annandale which takes away promised open green space. Particularly a new elevated overpass and additional roads adding to the scale of this massive and destructive interchange. In 2016 the government announced a 'game-changer': https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/the-premier/media-releases-from-the-premier/2016/10/new-inner-west-park-and-tunnel-link-announced/ . Yet, we lose more precious green space, to be replaced with noise, pollution and disruption. There is not trust that the government will stick to any promises - and the well being and health of local residents is clearly expendable. Just do better.

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 – we want you to reinstate your own vision as laid out in Transport for NSW Future Strategy 2056. Work with us 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.

Alongside these issues my other concerns include:

POOR CONSULTATION
I’m very concerned with the lack of community consultation around this modification which — if you’re honest with yourselves — is a complete redesign of this intersection. Nearly everyone I talked to a week ago knew NOTHING about this change.

This type of behaviour appears as if RMS is trying to sneak through major changes to our local area and only exacerbates the rift between you and the community.

MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT WE’VE GOT
As a parent of two kids who attend Annandale Public School and as a local resident of over 7 years myself, my family and friends are all frequent users of our local green spaces. We are particularly lucky to be able to walk down to the water on the Glebe Foreshore to exercise, scoot, ride or just walk around the bay to clear our minds. This open space is of huge importance to us and the wellbeing of the people that live in this busy city. Sydney is SO lucky to be on the harbour and we should be doing everything we can to sensitively design infrastructure around this asset — not compromise access through lazy design. The overpass has been dumped in the middle of the plan and everything has been changed to fit around it. You need to change the priorities and put people back as a priority stakeholder in this plan.

PRACTICING GOOD DESIGN
The MOD2 reports is shows table after table of optimisation for cars and roads and a huge number of disadvantages for pedestrians, cyclists and the internationally recognised asset that is the Sydney Harbour.

A good design would optimise around unique and valuable assets (Harbour/Foreshore) and balance the needs of all stakeholders with special attention paid to those most at risk (pedestrians, cyclists). I used to cycle to work in the city through these green spaces and loved it every day. Making this more difficult for cyclists and pedestrians pushes more people into cars when we should be aiming to do the opposite.

HONOURING PROMISES MADE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Approved Environmental Impact Statement at
https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSI-7485%2120190227T231413.342%20GMT p8 details several principals which have been completely abandoned by this modification:

Connect and provide for communities The concept offers a parkland destination that works to stitch together previously separated communities by providing a range of social infrastructure at a central, easily accessible location. MOD 2 fails this principal
Enhance green links The concept reactivates closed-off land through new green spaces and links. These links strategically establish a new green “interaction” connecting a series of significant yet fragmented [future and existing] green spaces in and around White Bay, Rozelle Bay, Rozelle, Balmain, Glebe and Annandale. MOD 2 removes direct access
Respond to the local character Respecting and maintaining the unique heritage, industrial character and topography of the Rozelle Rail Yards through interpretation. A massive concrete overpass obstructing a historically significant local mural and concrete plaza — really?
Revitalise streets for equality of mobility New public spaces and much-needed universally accessible links establish entirely new “public streets” and enhance the surrounding neighbourhood. If, like me, you’ve pushed a heavy pram up long, steep ramps, looked after two kids on scooters on their way to the park MOD2 is NOT an enhancement


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.
Stop cutting down trees and have a firm plan where more trees will be planted to counteract the impact on the environment and our health. We need more oxygen producing trees not fewer.

Yours sincerely
Jane Michael

The proposed modifications m4-m5 link, mod 2 appear to be have been designed solely to move cars, without taking account of pedestrian access to foreshore parkland and create a visual eyesore in the process. Pedestrian access to parkland from Annandale is now convoluted or significantly more dangerous. Furthermore previously designed public amenities such as green space connections have been withdrawn in the process.

Global experience of major road construction has demonstrated conclusively that projects like this increase air pollution, encourage more car use, and fail to resolve the traffic issues as more cars arrive faster than roads can be built to accommodate them. There are multiple local examples of this - Harbour Tunnel, M5 etc etc
The proposed elevated overpass is totally out of step with local development standards in the Inner West, will obstruct a local heritage mural and destroy Buruwan Park.
It will have a significant negative visual impact on the area which will start to resemble Los Angeles and impede access for pedestrians to Jubilee Park from Johnston St Annandale and the Rozelle Goods Yards in Lilyfield, a net loss in facilities for the residents of the area.
This plan completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project for the presumed benefit of the contractor John Holland and owner Transurban at the expense fo the local community

I think the modifications to the M4-M5 Link in Mod2 will compromise the safety and amenity of the original plan for pedestrians and cyclists amongst other things. Currently a lot of pedestrians and cyclists use the existing overpass to cross Victoria Road from Lilyfield Road, which will be demolished as part of the widening of Victoria Road. There is no where else to safely cross this road and have access to the ANZAC bridge and the Foreshore.
The promised Greenlink would have made all the additional concrete freeways and roads in the area bearable and allowed pedestrians and cyclists access to the foreshore safely. If this is not included in the updated plan then how will pedestrians and cyclists from Lilyfield Road and the new park cross the road and access the Foreshore? We need this Greenlink reinstated or pedestrian safety is compromised. It is not acceptable to sell a plan to the community on one basis and then takeaway one of the few elements that provided safety and amenity.