MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

I strongly object to the proposed amendments to The Crescent overpass. The entire West Connex project is a shambles, putting more cars onto roads that are ill designed to cope with the traffic flow. The original overpass plan was bad enough but now the proposed amendments turn the entire thing into a spaghetti junction with cars having to cross over multiple lanes in a short space of time / distance to get where they want to.

The developers have lied to the local residents in order to push through plans that are unwieldy and only serve to create further traffic chaos at what will already be a congested and busy intersection

Please take resident's concerns into consideration as we are the ones who have to live with the pollution and traffic chaos that this intersection is going to cause

Page
1
/2
Page 1 of 2

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:

I am frequently walking to the foreshore with my dog on her lead as well as my young niece and nephew, the idea of having to cross five busy intersections is frightening. As a frequent driver in the area pedestrian safety is paramount but so is the preservation of a beautiful picturesque foreshore that is for everybody.

Page 2 of 2

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

Yours Sincerely,
Claudia Harvison
Name: Claudia Harvison

Address: 1 Larchmont Place West Pennant Hills NSW 2125

Email: [email protected]
Objection to SSI-7485-Mod-2.docx
Page 1 of 2

I have the following objections:

- the comment and approval process for this development is flawed. I don't even know the final plans for the Interchange, so how can I make a fully valid view?
- the project is against other NSW government policies of increasing access to parkland and foreshore
- this project's benefit depends on another project (the western harbour tunnel) that's not approved or funded
- the project is very ugly. It puts even more road infrastructure near/over the foreshores. Didn't we learn our lessons in Darling Harbour and at Circular Quay?
- pedestrian access to the park is diminished, with so many crossings to be traversed

Response to m4-m5 link mod 2
Application SSI 7485

am an architect with some experience in urban planning. After reviewing the modification to the m4-m5 Link, I believe that the new plan will result in a negative outcome for the residents of the adjacent community, and cannot proceed in its current fashion.

The original approved plan included a “green link” connecting Annandale and lilyfield to rose bay. This pedestrian link is vital if pedestrians are going to have safe access to Rozelle bay and the parklands.

The foreshore is currently a place for family gatherings, walkers and exercise, it is pet friendly and easily accessible. The proposed car overpass will effectively cut off public access to this amenity which makes the surrounding suburbs thrive.

Further design alternatives have not been considered. The car overpass is the most crude way of connecting two existing roads, and no effort has been made to reduce the width of the road which is now a 120m intersection. Where possible, these vehicle distributions must occur before the junction of the parkland. Locating this at the point of public access to the park will significantly affect the quality of the parkland and the ability of the public to access it.

Furthermore, there had been no attention paid to landscaping JB the proposal, the images show a barren “concrete plaza”. In no way can this be deemed an improvement on the current tree lined street and pocket park adjacent Rozelle bay light rail.

Finally, I have concerns regarding noise mitigation coming from the 6 lane interchange to the neighbouring properties; which already experience high traffic noise from the m4. The mod 2 plan does not present an effective strategy to minimise this noise, again prioritising vehicle circulation over residents needs.

For the above reasons I wish to object to the modification 2 plan, and request a lengthening of the design period which will involve the public and seek better outcomes for the affected communities.

Yours sincerely
David Hristoforidis

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney, NSW 2001
September 24, 2019

Application: SSI 7485-Mode-2

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:

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


Yours Sincerely,

Name: Vandy Kang
Address: 26 Eglinton Rd GLEBE NWS 2037
Email: [email protected]

This is disgraceful to even be considered! The proposed overpass is a complete monstrosity, undermining the local character of the Inner West, varying greatly (negatively) from the currently approved design.
My key objections: destroying the local urban design by a huge concrete overpass, significantly reducing the value of the green connection from the rail yard park to the foreshore and major disruption to Inner West Residents through another major road project in the area. The proposed new route of the green link is a pathetic shift from the currently approved design. In such a high density area, every opportunity for high quality green site and pedestrian access should be treasured and not compromised due to trying to save money.
The government department should not be allowed to pitch an underground project which was approved and then try and push through a proposal and instead build a major component above ground. This is taking advantage at the cost of local residents.

Please don't allow this to go ahead. Trying to change from an approved tunnel to a double lane overpass, compromising the Greenlink is really disappointing. The original Greenlink would benefit everyone and the new proposal is significantly reducing the connection of the rail yards park and the fore shore. The original tunnel would not lead to the same level of destruction to the local character of the area as the overpass option will. The proposed overpass is a concrete monstrosity not suited to the inner suburbs. The sheer size and height is unacceptable. Tunneling was promised for the project and the promise should be honoured.

Director, Transport Assessments Planning Services Department of Planning, Industry and Environment GPO Box 39Sydney, NSW 2001
Application: SSI 7485.       Date: 25 September 2019

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services,
I'm writing regarding the proposed modification to M4-M5 Link, Mod 2 The Crescent overpass and changes to the 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 connection from the Rozelle Rail yards and Annandale to the foreshore.  The GreenLink was more than just a walkway, 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 Johnston St.
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, Forrest Lodge, Glebe, Lilyfield. and Rozelle with no planning to deal with these.

My submission is asking RMS and the 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.
Remove the 8m high new car overpass design and put it back underground due to the damaging visual impact on the Bays Precinct.
Deliver on site car parking for workers on the M4-M5 link and/or public transport for workers for the duration of the Project. 

Regards,
Jenny Seymour

Although as a whole Westconnex is destructive to the suburbs it cuts through, the use of tunnels and the originally proposed plan for the junction at White Bay at least tried to minimise the destruction and, the the latter case, to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to the Lilyfield rail yards and the foreshore. This proposed amendment completely undermines this, creating a large and ugly barrier between Annandale, Lilyfield and the green space at the railway yards and the foreshore. This will multiply the already destructive impact of the new road n what have been peaceful and highly liveable suburbs, rather as the infamous Cahill Expressway cuts the city off from the harbour. It will increase traffic in the area, reduce access from Annandale to the crescent, and significantly reduce amenity for those living in the Annandale/Rozelle area.

Please re-consider, and minimise the damage that this road will create to the communities it passes through.

I am very much opposed to the mod2 of the greenlink to a proposed caged walkway over the M4. The creation of Bicentennial Park was the result of a 15-year effort on behalf of The Glebe Society. In the years since it has been incrementally linked to the Foreshore Walk and now through up to Wigram Rd. near Annandale as a continuous green area utilised for both recreation and commuting by people from all over the area. And their dogs. Any plans to expand this surely should be a continuation of this outstanding heritage and in keeping with the concept developed so far. I object to the proposed foot overpass and request the original design be implemented.

This is a massive interchange with unfiltered ventilation stacks. It will disgorge more traffic onto roads that cannot be widened meaning that their capacity cannot be increased - the ANZAC Bridge, Victoria Road, the Crescent, even City West Link. To add insult to injury by adding at short notice an overpass is a short-sighted non-solution. We do not want to look like Los Angeles or increase the inner City pollution.
The plans show no clear way for pedestrian and cyclist traffic to move around the end of Rozelle Bay. They would have to make many road crossings to get to the harbourside park. This reveals a complete lack of consideration for those who want to walk or cycle - isn't that the idea in a healthy society that people can have access to green spaces? Where are the pedestrian/ cyclist paths? Will there be any green space left? How much will all that tarmac and loss of park add to heat and dust and noise and pollution? How can this be a healthy place to live? It is not just a freeway space. People have to live here!
This project is turning the landscape into a vast motorway and to now add an overpass seems last minute, cheap and not well-planned, not to mention completely out of character for the Inner West.

Why are some RMS customers considered more worthy of good services and facilities? Metrics have been applied to minimise delays and stops for motorists while people walking and cycling are repeatedly delayed, stopped and diverted. If the Proponent persists with this proposal, the single pedestrian crossing between Johnston Street and Glebe foreshore must be maintained.

RMS - you need to update your staff, thinking, practices. All people can't drive everywhere all the time. All of your customers must be considered with equal worth and you need to recognise that Sydney's population is growing and we can't all get around in 12sqm boxes. I release change is hard and that you're probably clinging to old power and practices like a retired PM but please get fresh and fabulous in your practices and stop making Sydney, especially inner Sydney, so unpleasant as a result of high volumes of fasting moving traffic. Thank you.

Dear Director Transport Assessments Planning Services, Please see my comments / requests for consideration attached regarding the M4-M5 Rozelle Interchange.
Kind regards,
Daniel Worsley

The proposed modification to the Rozelle interchange is unacceptable due to its complete disregard for context, high visual impact and the impact on the character of the surrounding suburbs.

As part of the initial M4/M5 Link documentation, an independent peer review urban design report was requested by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The design was assessed in this report against the 7 "Better Placed" principles written by Government Architect NSW. Unlike the previous underground interchange design, the proposed modified interchange completely fails to meet the key principles established in that document as outlined below and should not be supported:

Principle 1. Integrated and contextual
The proposed modified design completely disregards its context by proposing an elevated structure appropriate only for environments not surrounded by low density residential development in heritage-rich areas. A contextual response would have minimal visual impact and seek to integrate into the surroundings. Rozelle / Annandale have high place value and the design only recognises the movement needs without respecting the place.

Principle 2. Sustainable and Enduring
The removal of significant vegetation including over 70 mature trees cannot be said to be achieving excellence in sustainability. Within the las few weeks vegetation around the interchange has been decimated already - we shouldn't be removing any more.

Principle 3. Connected and Accessible
This interchange will not cater for a diverse range of customer needs - it only serves the need of drivers. There is no direct pedestrian or cyclist links and the quality of the pedestrian experience will be horrible.

Principle 4. A Motorway integrated into its context
See point no.1
This design is completely out of context and does not respect the character and high visual amenity of the surrounding neighbourhoods

Principle 5. Distinctive and Place Sensitive
See point no 1 and 4.
A LA-Style junction is completely inappropriate for the Rozelle / Annandale context. In addition, the iconic mural on The Crescent will be significantly obstructed which is also evidence of an approach that disregards its context.

On a more personal note, this feels like a huge broken promise to the community.

I recognise the need for upgraded road connections around the city but am hugely concerned by the huge unfiltered exhaust stacks in Rozelle and the massive impact on the area during construction and operation of WestConnex. The people of the Inner West do no benefit from WestConnex, yet they are being asked to pay the personal cost in decreased liveability to serve the rest of the city. The one offset offered to the community in exchange for this was that the motorway would be underground, kept away from the waterfront and pedestrian links to the foreshore would be maintained and/or enhanced. Now even this is being removed. Is this really equitable? I do not believe so.

Where other world cities like Seattle are removing their motorways near the waterfront to improve foreshore access in Sydney you are attempting to do the opposite.

Furthermore, this approach also undermines trust in the planning system. Just as we saw with Modification 8 for Crown Casino Barangaroo, the appearance is that when there is scrutiny of a project (and perhaps an election?), a positive design is signed off that benefits the community. Later, when there is less scrutiny (and perhaps no election?) the design is modified to remove public benefit. This does not appear to be a planning system that works for the people.