MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

I am concerned and strongly oppose the significant changes in and amended plans for the Rozelle interchange.
An above ground overpass of this scale and height will adversely affect the local community, the environment and create an eyesore not fitting to the inner harbour suburbs of historic central Sydney.
The originally presented design concept plans presented to the public were far better and rushing new amendments which do not consider local communities and their health, the historic nature of the precinct, or the environment is shocking and unbelievable in 2019!
I agree with changing the overpass to a short tunnel
I oppose the proposal to build an overpass at The Crescent in Annandale.
The plan for an overpass should be replaced by a short (less than 120m) tunnel under the City West Link with slot trench approaches. An underpass provides the best visual and urban outcomes and should allow the retention of the green bridge in a location to best connect the parklands together. This underpass needs to be designed to also facilitate the single pedestrian crossing at Johnston Street.
Green links and pedestrian access must be improved by simplifying the Johnston Street crossing of the Crescent to a single traffic light crossing in the current location on the Northern side of Johnston Street as currently exists. Thus providing access from Railway parade to the Glebe Foreshore with a direct connection to the simplified Johnston Street/The Crescent intersection.
Also the direct grade separated connection between the Glebe Foreshore and the new Rozelle parklands could be accessed via the green bridge.
Retaining and protecting trees adjacent the light rail station as per the EIS consideration is important for the environment, to combat the exhaust fumes and to improve the negative visual impact these roads will ultimately result in.
The road design needs be altered to provide protection of mature vegetation including Sydney blue gums, and Moreton bay figs. These will provide some immediate pedestrian and visual amenity given that most of Buruwan Park will be removed.
I agree with reinstating the right hand turn lane at the Crescent from Johnston Street as this will limit traffic through local Annandale streets to Glebe and key local destinations such as The Tramsheds.
Protect the people’s mural
Careful consideration is also needed to protect this much loved local artwork.

This is not a ‘modification’ it is a radical change from the original design that was presented to the community and approved. The Rozelle interchange was designed to be an underground project that was to provide some benefit to the community by increasing green space, safe foreshore access and reducing congestion on local roads. These benefits were put forward at community consultations to offset the destructive impact resulting from the M4/5 link construction
This overpass will adversely impact the local communities of Lilyfield, Annandale and Rozelle by increasing dangers to the most vulnerable members such as children, the elderly and the disabled. Compounding this the removal of the right turn off Johnston St into The Cresent will force greater traffic down the already congested Booth St and Wigram Road. This had got to pose safety issues especially on Wigram Road which is too narrow to adequately cope with current demand. Additionally we will see greater use of local roads as ‘rat runs’ as drivers search out more effective routes.
There has been no explanation / justification for such a substantial change to what was agreed would be constructed. It would appear that the group responsible for constructing this project are not prepared to invest the money to produce what was agreed and are looking to replace this with the cheapest option possible without any consideration for the impact this will have on the residents of these communities.

The Annandale overpass is contrary to the original conditions and consent and significantly changes the environmental impact.
It provides unacceptable and unnecessary degraded visual impact.
It will restrict pedestrian access and traffic in Johnston street.
It will cause the destruction of around 70 mature trees in Buruwan Park.
There is no evidence that it will have any positive effect traffic congestion.
I would strongly urge you to return to the original plan for the project and avoid building an ugly and unnecessary overpass.

See attachment,

I object to the modification to the far superior previously approved design.

I am really dismayed by the proposed changes. They will have a significant impact on my everyday life. I turn right while driving out of Johnston Street into the Crescent on a daily basis, to access the University of Sydney, the Tramsheds, Glebe library, etc. I also have a young child and regularly access Bicentennial park for playtime. My access to the park will now be reduced and impacted upon due to the number of pedestrian lights proposed. I am also very concerned about the increased cutting down of trees in the area and think that this should be avoided at all costs, given all that we know now about the need for trees to address the impacts of climate change.

From the time I was fortunate enough to move to Annandale, one of the features I first appreciated and have come to treasure most, is the foreshore area near the Crescent and the space, trees and openness that the bay and surrounding green spaces provides. The "feel" and "vibe" of the area exists due to the space, trees and sense of established landscape that exists. Any proposal in this area should INCREASE the greenlink and make this area more accessible for people rather than vehicles. The removal of trees and lack of a greenlink will detrimentally alter what is currently a wonderful asset very close to the city. The fabric of the area can be retained and even enhanced by increasing the greenlink and making this a major feature. In these supposedly "enlightened" times, it is a shame that decision makers don't show the same foresight as our forebears. Please retain the greenlink and the plans which have already been approved. There is no advantage in making the changes proposed but a real disadvantage if the changes are allowed.

Please see submission attached opposing the removal of the Green Link from plans for the Crescent Overpass.

I'm angry. I'm only sixteen, and I'm angry. I just don't understand how it could be proposed that such as ugly development could be placed in the midst of such a beautiful area. In Rozelle, we're incredibly lucky that at the local bus stop, we can see White Bay and the Harbour Bridge. In Jubilee Park, we have indescribably beautiful views. I count myself incredibly lucky that on my walk to school, through Jubilee, I walk beside clear blue water of the bay. But now, the suggested developments expect residents to be happy with such a disgusting development in the middle of our beautiful, old, by-the-bay area. We do not live next to a highway. So why are we getting a highway development in the middle of our houses?
First, my bus stop towards Victoria Rd was extended. And now, there's a noticeably larger amount of traffic going through Lilyfield Rd, where I live. Currently, the average speed on my street is 55km/h. The limit is 50km/h. So with more traffic, it's more dangerous. And for that, I'm angry. There are so many children who live around, animals and cyclists. With more traffic, how could that not be more dangerous in area where people appear to drive 10km/h or so above the speed limit.
And now, you expect to cut cost by placing a concrete monstrosity in the middle of a beautiful area. This project does not consider pedestrians. It simply cuts costs in an incredibly lazy way. How am I going to get to school during development, my year twelve year, I should mention, while that completely vile concrete bridge is placed in my community? It extends walking time, and increases traffic considerably in an area surrounded by primary schools, high schools, child care centres and other child centred institutions. Currently, it takes me thirty-five minutes to walk to school. I can't imagine with the development, that would be lowered. In fact, I believe it would be increased. So if that happens, is someone going to pay for the transport fees not currently paid for by a school card because I live so close to my school?
Don't pass the project. When Westconnex decided to disrupt our lives a few years ago, we weren't expecting, that no matter how much we protest, complain, and are ignored, people decide that the best idea would be to ruin our area even more.

I am writing in objection to the proposed Crescent overpass.

I am a long time resident of Rozelle and a regular user of the Crescent, mostly by bicycle and occasionally by car. I am appalled at this proposal for two reasons.

1. The way in which this has come about without due diligence by the government to ensure that what was passed can be changed at the whim of the building company. The builder has no purpose other than to make the biggest profit possible. Why then would they be given permission to change the plans to ruin the lifestyle and aesthetics of our beautiful suburb so they can save money by not putting in a tunnel? This is gross misconduct by the government in not putting the values of the community first.

2. The government needs to have a long term view of how they want communities to look. No politician would be happy for unnecessary flyovers to be built near their homes but they forget that they are working for the people. Flyovers are visually intrusive, cause the noise of vehicles to travel further from the elevated position, do not contribute to green spaces, block views of people anywhere below 8m and do not promote the values of the local council of being conservative with resources and caring for the environment.

Flyovers are not what the community wants for their future. In 5, 10, 30 years we do not want to see a flyover built. Not for ourselves, our children or grandchildren. Please do not sacrifice our future space and well being for the short term profits of the easy option.

Thank you.

This is an additional submission to support my original objection to the proposed modifications (SE-94263).
No strong justification for the proposed modifications to the Rozelle Interchange has been put forward. The key purpose of the proposed modifications is the construction of an overpass at The Crescent to allow motorists to by-pass a single, signalised intersection at The Crescent/City West Link. This cannot be considered sufficient justification to allow the major reduction in the quality of the lives of the local communities,including walkers and cyclists,which would result from consequential changes relating to the modifications.The construction of the overpass will only add to the dangerously high levels of pollution and impacts that the original Rozelle Interchange project will inflict on the local and neighbouring communities. Adding the likely pollution from the proposed overpass to the four unfiltered emission stacks planned to be constructed as part of the Interchange project will lead to even more unacceptable risks to the health and well being of the community. Enough is enough.
The modifications should not be approved. The overwhelming negative impacts on the community are too great.