MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

The overpass concept at the crescent is a huge public planning mistake. We have a once in a life time opportunity to link to major parks the new roselle park and the existing foreshore park, and this plan priorities cars over locals. Creating a 4 road crossing arrangement for walkers, runners, pets, bikes, and the mobility impaired is simply poor design. Make the overpass an underpass and prioritise people and outdoors activities between the two parks. Honour the original environmental impact statement and give direct and easy access to people not the cars.

My submission and objection is as follows:
SSI 7485
(1) In outline, this modification completely ignores the conditions of consent given for this project and threatens to impose unacceptable negative consequences on the landscape and liveability of our local area.

The proposed overpass is totally out of step with local development in Annandale and will obstruct a local heritage mural and destroy Buruwan Park. Reconsideration should be given to obvious alternatives such as an underground tunnel running under Whites Creek.

This proposal could be replaced with a slot cut and cover trench running under Whites Creek to push traffic underground instead of overground and avoid the massive imposition of an overpass and destruction of the ‘people’s mural’.

(2) Pedestrian access to Bicentennial Park and Jubilee Park

This modification prioritises the needs of motorists, trashing the experience of local pedestrian traffic and making it harder for residents to access the public waterfront.

Pedestrians walking from the Western side of Johnston Street will have to use an astonishing four pedestrian crossings in order to reach Bicentennial Park. This pedestrian arrangement should be modified to allow pedestrians to cross direct from Johnston Street to the Park via The Crescent.

(3) Destruction of mature fig trees at Buruwan Park

This design proposes to rip up Buruwan Park and all the vegetation at that site including over 70 trees and several beautiful mature fig trees. I find this an appalling idea - quite enough trees have already been sacrificed for this project and we should do everything possible to conserve the ones remaining.

Removing this vegetation will impact on the liveability of our suburb by removing shade, making our local area warmer and destroying the green barrier it provides between the City West Link and residences. Even if these trees are replaced with saplings, it could take up to a decade for tree cover to return to this site - and they will never replicate the maturity, magnificence and climate and habitat value of the current trees.

Any modification to this proposal should make every possible effort to save these trees and vegetation. At a bare minimum, these trees should not be removed until a full Urban Design and Landscape Plan has been completed.

(4) Relocation of the green link

This modification would abandon one of the centrepieces of the original design: a pedestrian and cycling green link to connect the Rozelle Goods Yard to Bicentennial Park.

Relocating that green link to the west of the intersection of The Crescent and City West Link ignores the original conditions of consent given for this project and puts the needs of motorists ahead of pedestrians and cyclists.

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.

RMS and the contractors should reconsider other design options for a continuous green link from Rozelle Goods Yard, across the City West Link into Jubilee Park, including a link to Annandale and the Rozelle Bay light rail stop.

Please act to respect and defend the original planning features. This modification is not acceptable and is just another encroachment on the liveability of our environment which is disappearing at an alarming rate.

Hello,

I write to express my concern about the proposed modifcation to the M4/M5 link in the Rozelle/Annandale area. I note that the second modifcation has led to the planned removal of the “Greenlink” cyclist/pedestrian connection between Annandale/Rozelle and the foreshore.

If I have read the proposal correctly, it seems that those who wish to access the foreshore area across the Crescent, in the vicinity of Johnston Street, will find this far more difficult than it is at present, with removal of the current pedestrian crossing, and, now with the second modification, removal of the Green Link.

The designers and planners cannot be aware of the huge numbers of pedestrians and cyclists who use this crossing daily. These include family groups with small children and pets. It is not clear how those with limited mobility, including the elderly and those who might be pushing prams, strollers or carrying shopping, will be able to negotiate what appears to be a very difficult route.

I regularly use the Blackwattle Bay foreshore area, along with my dog, as do thousands of others, including both local residents and visitors. I also regularly ride my bicycle along the shared cycle way/footpath towards the Anzac Bridge and am very concerned that the M4/M5 link project will make this area unsafe and impractical to use.

I ask that the Project Team and the RMS

1. reconsider this second modification and ensure that the Green Link, as initially proposed, is reinstated.
2. review the cyclist facilities in the area of the Rozelle interchange to ensure that there is seamless (ie without need to dismount) access for cyclists from the Annandale area to the Anzac Bridge. These cycle paths should not be “shared” pathways unless very wide and separated, noting the large numbers of both commuters and recreational cyclists who use this route as access to the city.
3. ensure that any future modifications or developments are consistent with the longer term vision of keeping our city a pleasant place to live and work.

thank you

The modifications look like a whole new project...which hasn't gone through a community consultation process.
Reasone for my onbjections are in the attachment.

My comments are included in the attached document.

Attached file outlines my objections.

Dear SIr/Madam,

I commute daily from Burwood to Glebe on a bicycle.

My objection relates to how the changes to the interchange make access to Bicentennial Park more difficult for cyclists and pedestrians. I support the government finishing the M4, but the old plan was better for pedestrians and cyclists.  Pedestrians and cyclists ought to be the top priority because they take cars off the road, helping alleviate congestion, pollution and climate change.

Under the new plan, cyclists from Rozelle (and other areas, coming via The Bay Walk and further afield) will have a longer climb and a longer route when using the "shared user path bridge" to continue travel in Bicentennial Park.  Making cyclists work harder will reduce the number of cyclists, particularly those who are less fit.  Using the Green Link is not an option because they would need to afterwards cross at three separate traffic lights.

Given that most people visit this area to access or ride through Bicentennial Park, the only remaining users of the Green Link will likely be those few Rozelle residents who need to get to Central and Piermont.  Other Rozelle residents will get into the City much faster using the buses over Anzac Bridge.

I urge you to revert to the old plan.  (And anything you can do to limit the shutdown period of Buruwan Park would help commuters a lot.  The alternate route via Kentville Ave requires a very long climb.)

Sincerely,
Oliver Bock

Hi planners,
As a local resident in Rozelle, the whole project is causing pain but I have got passed that and accept it is happening.
However, one feature that allayed many community fears and objections was the future creation of green space on the Rozelle side of the West Link and the connection that we would have to the Rozelle Bay and amenities on that side. Not just a connection but a safe connection. I have a four and two year old - just getting to grips with scooters, traffic, cycling etc. Getting over to theRozelle foreshore now is a total pain across many junctions and lights. More often we end up driving!
The overpass access bridge 'Greenlink' was a fantastic idea - cycle and pedestrian access - perfect.
And now you decide that it is not required. This modification of the plans is almost a breach of trust, a window into your lies and mis-truths.
The new plaza is a totally different concept - and ugly one too.

Please put non-car driving people, cyclists AND CHILDREN back into your plans. It's not just about cars.
Cheers
Nick

See attached.

I write regarding Application SSI 7485 and 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:
• Cutting off the Annandale community’s ease of access to one of the few open spaces in the area at a time when we are told to be more active to reduce the financial burden on our health system.
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 its’ 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.
Your sincerely,
Personal details provided

I have lived in Annandale for over 60 years in which time the foreshore has been progressively opened up for the benefit of the community. This has been a wonderful achievement, however the proposed plans are a major reversal of this situation. It makes pedestrian access to parkland both difficult and dangerous. Furthermore the proposed car ramp from the crescent would be an horrendous eyesore. And what has happened to the pedestrian greenlink!
Simply, the proposed changes are devoid of merit and a breach of trust.

I object to this proposed modification. The greenlink already approved should be constructed and not deleted and replaced by inappropriate piecemeal disjointed paths and at-grade road crossings. Please read my attached submission to see the list of points made opposing this modification.