I object to the modification as proposed, see attached.

Re: SSI 7485.

The Crescent overpass will block free access to the foreshore and to pedestrian and bike links to other suburbs. It will make it much harder for pedestrians, especially those with limited mobility, to access Jubilee Park, from either Annandale or Rozelle. This is not only an equity and health and safety issue, it is also about the rights of residents to enjoy the amenities of their area. It will make it much harder for people with prams, in wheelchairs or mobility scooters, or with small children, as well as ordinary pedestrians, to get to the park. (This will become even more of a problem if the proposed ferry from Annandale goes ahead, in which case foot traffic will rise considerably.)

Furthermore, the proposed overpass will require the felling of over 70 trees; environmental vandalism at a time when trees are more important to the environment than ever. I am also concerned about a drop in air quality - as an asthmatic who lives near the Crescent, inviting more cars into this area will undoubtedly have an impact on air quality and health.

Annandale is a heritage suburb. Such as overpass will be, not only ugly, but completely out of scale and feeling with this historic neighbourhood - and it IS a neighbourhood, built on a small scale and with many pedestrians. It will kill the vibrant flow of people in the area, to everyone's detriment - and I highly doubt it will do anything to address congestion on these roads. Research suggests that more rods simply lead to more cars on those roads.

Since this overpass was not part of the original planning permission for the project, it appears to be an overreach on the part of the contractors - no doubt to save them money. But the livability of our city should not be compromised in order to make things easier for a contractor. When they are long gone, we will be living with the unsightly, unnecessary and destructive results.

Please refuse permission for this overpass and require the contractor to complete the project as originally planned.

yours sincerely
Pamela Freeman (Dr)

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.

The proposed modification:
● Increases the traffic to Johnston St without improving the pedestrian crossing in front of Annandale North Public School, which seriously risks the lives of our children attending this school.
● Significantly reduces safety for families and pedestrians with removed access over The Crescent to Bicentennial Park.
● Removes 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.

In addition, the modification increases the number of roads to cross by 5 pedestrian crossings, without allowing enough space at each crossing for a group of families, or a class of students to stand together. No alternative assisted pedestrian crossings have been factored in along The Crescent to allow the community to cross this busy road in other locations.

My submission is requesting the RMS:
● Significantly improve the pedestrian crossing in front of Annandale North Public School by:
○ widening the footpath in front of and opposite the school,
○ new fencing along the median strip and footpath,
○ improved signage around the school, and
○ relocation of the traffic light buttons for pedestrians closer to the actual crossing.
● 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.


Regards,

Matthew Hart
111 View St, Annandale NSW 2038
[email protected]

Increase traffic flow will impact child safety especially North Annandale Public School.

Reinstate the Greenlink as designed in the original approved EIS design.
As a resident of Annandale, I am opposed to the project in it's current design.
It removes the existing and the approved direct, safe access for pedestrians and cyclists from Rozelle, Annandale, Lilyfield to access the Glebe foreshore.