MOD 2 - The Crescent overpass and active transport links

It will improve my commute

Continually improving NSW

Thank you for amending the height of the elevated bridge at The Crescent but I am surprised that the horseshoe bridge will be removed. Having a family of keen cyclists and walkers, linking local parks will encourage us to embark on longer, more seamless and safer journeys. We’re already concerned about the wait time to access Federal Park / Jubilee Park. Surely connecting green spaces is your objective?

Thanks for the amendments, but as a cyclist we want you to reinstate a well designed horseshoe bridge to meet the original commitment to have a seamless park to park connection.
Thanks

I object to this proposal for the following specific reasons:
1. The alignment of the new shared user bridge will substantially impact on the usability of the park as it will split the park in two.
2. The shared user bridge is referred to as a "Green Link" however the report states that no hard or soft landscape is able to be provided. How is it a green link?
3. Considering the visual impact of the bridge, there should be a requirement for design excellence and the incorporation of public art in the throw screens
4. Figure 4-3 shows an additional southbound lane along the crescent that encroaches into the existing Rozelle Bay shipyards and the removal of the pedestrian crossing. This is an unacceptable outcome for residents of the adjacent area (and kids from Annandale Nth Public School) as they will now be required to cross in FIVE stages (instead of 1) to access Bicentennial Park and the new cycleway network. Contrary to Chapter 4.3.4, this seems to provide less connectivity for the residents of Annandale.
5. There are no visualisations that properly communicate the cumulative impact of all associated works. For example, what will this interchange look like from the existing pedestrian bridge at the intersection of Victoria Road? Or from the adjacent residential neighbourhoods? Or from Bicentennial Park? This design still proposes an L.A style network of transport ramps which is completely at odds with the existing character of these precincts.
6. There is no information regarding the width of the shared path bridge. The width should be a minimum of 5m as it will likely be used as an extension of the regional cycleway network and will therefore need to be appropriately sized to accommodate a significant number of users.

In general, the residents in the local area gain absolutely no benefit from this project. The benefits will all flow to residents who live further away and wish to travel through the area. The least you can do is to keep the original design/promise to build this underground rather than an overpass.

The overall approach is not what a reasonable person would expect from an integrated transport framework that holistically considers the pedestrian experience as well as the experience of motorists. Pedestrians and local residents are going to suffer immensely under this design - it is optimised entirely for motorists. If we want Sydney to be a global city ready for this century then you need to stop building roads as though we are living in 1970s LA.

I'm writing to request the reinstatement of the horseshoe bridge. Myself and fellow Lilyfield/Annandale residents are frequent users of the parks in the area and we request more (not less) connectivity and ease of access. The proposition that the bridge was removed on the basis of visual aesthetics is somewhat hypercritical in the context of the road overpass that remains. In a world that is now driven by social distancing (i.e. not piling pedestrians up at multiple sets of traffic lights) and connecting people (through improved access to green spaces) this modification is counter-intuitive and objectionable.

i object to this project as active transport links or not prioritized.

1 - The evidence demonstrates this modification won’t solve congestion in Annandale. This overpass is only designed to address the additional traffic that will be created by WestConnex. It will not reduce the amount of traffic in Annandale but will negatively impact local residents, cyclists and pedestrians.
2 - An underpass would be less overbearing on the local area. The plan for an overpass should be replaced by a short 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 link in a location to best connect different areas of greenspace together.
3 - There is now no direct pedestrian and cycling link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle Goods Yard. This proposal has abandoned the horseshoe pedestrian bridge but hasn’t reinstated the seamless park to park connection that was originally promised. This means that cyclists and pedestrians are forced to cross the Crescent via traffic lights.
4 - The people’s mural will be obscured. The proposed overpass will obstruct Rodney Monk’s heritage mural which decorates the northern side of the light rail viaduct along The Crescent and has significant local heritage value.
5 - Needs of motorists are prioritised over pedestrians, cyclists and residents. All these negative impacts are being driven by the exclusive focus by Transport for NSW on improved vehicle movements. The government should prioritise the needs of local residents, pedestrian and cyclist access and the retention of vegetation and greenspace over the movement of cars and traffic into WestConnex.

This overpass is only designed to address the additional traffic that will be created by WestConnex. It will not reduce the amount of traffic in Annandale but will negatively impact local residents, cyclists and pedestrians. I feel the evidence demonstrates this modification won’t solve congestion in Annandale.

I feel an underpass would be less overbearing on the local area. A short tunnel under the City West Link with slot trench approach would be a better idea. An underpass provides the best visual and urban outcomes and should allow the retention of the green link in a location to best connect different areas of greenspace together.

I am concerned that there is no direct pedestrian and cycling link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle Goods Yard. It is disappointing that the proposed horseshoe pedestrian bridge has been abandoned. The seamless park to park connection that was originally promised doesnt look like it is going ahead. This means my family will be forced to cross the Crescent via traffic lights.

The needs of motorists are prioritised over pedestrians, cyclists and residents. The negative impacts are being driven by the exclusive focus by Transport for NSW on improved vehicle movements. The government should prioritise the needs of local residents, pedestrian and cyclist access and the retention of vegetation and greenspace over the movement of cars and traffic into WestConnex.

I have lived in Rozelle for over 20 years and love the community. As a family we have been impacted by westconnex coming into our neighbourhood and while we understand progress we would like residents needs to be taken into consideration as well.

I believe more roadworks in the inner-west are completely unnecessary at this time. We need to consider the overall ecosystem of introducing unsightly spaghetti junctions throughout the Inner West further dismantling its invaluable character that can never be replaced. We need to see our neighbourhoods protected from highly invasive and unnecessary infrastructure projects that largely benefit motorists. We're selling off the planning of our beautiful foreshore full of history in place of an unsightly concrete highway of unnecessary overpasses. Currently the City West link is an unsightly utilitarian roadway that slices trough our beautiful heritage suburbs, do we really want to continue to let these slices cut into through our streets. The renders in Figure 3-6 of traffic lights and 4+ lane roadways conjure reminders of the worst parts of cities like LA which have toxic levels of pollution and congestion. We can do better, we deserve better, we demand better.

If they truly cared about cyclists and pedestrians they wouldn't simply be tacked on to what is primarily a highway, they should be the primary feature of the proposal. We need to strive for sustainable interventions that aren't simply lazy proposals that bring more harmful traffic throughout our suburbs. I would much rather an emphasis and investment in high speed, clean public transport that will service the local area that already has limited access to greater Sydney. That would be of immense value to residents, local business, schools ect. Instead this proposal is the exact opposite, yet another shortsighted highway project.

We need a much better plan than this for our area, for our future, and for our children. Please reconsider this project.

The evidence demonstrates this modification won’t solve congestion in Annandale
This overpass is only designed to address the additional traffic that will be created by WestConnex. It will not reduce the amount of traffic in Annandale but will negatively impact local residents, cyclists and pedestrians.

An underpass would be less overbearing on the local area
The plan for an overpass should be replaced by a short 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 link in a location to best connect different areas of greenspace together.

There is now no direct pedestrian and cycling link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle Goods Yard
This proposal has abandoned the horseshoe pedestrian bridge but hasn’t reinstated the seamless park to park connection that was originally promised. This means that cyclists and pedestrians are forced to cross the Crescent via traffic lights.

The people’s mural will be obscured
The proposed overpass will obstruct Rodney Monk’s heritage mural which decorates the northern side of the light rail viaduct along The Crescent and has significant local heritage value.
Needs of motorists are prioritised over pedestrians, cyclists and residents
All these negative impacts are being driven by the exclusive focus by Transport for NSW on improved vehicle movements. The government should prioritise the needs of local residents, pedestrian and cyclist access and the retention of vegetation and greenspace over the movement of cars and traffic into WestConnex.

This overpass is not required as traffic can still flow via the existing traffic lights.
Why has the pedestrian and cycle overpass been deleted.
Why has the park to park connection been removed.
Please reconsider your actions and think of the residents.
Thank you

Hi planners,
I must say i love the link from Haberfield to North Strathfield and the Motorway. I live on Prymont Bridge road and I have no problems with the links under Parramatta rd.
While I have no objections to the current improvements to the roads linking the motor ways, there are certain issues pertaining to the over pass near Annandale The Cresent, which is a very busy area, and links to Balmain and parklands which I exercise around regularly.
• The evidence demonstrates this modification won’t solve congestion in Annandale
This overpass is only designed to address the additional traffic that will be created by WestConnex. It will not reduce the amount of traffic in Annandale but will negatively impact local residents, cyclists and pedestrians.
• An underpass would be less overbearing on the local area
The plan for an overpass should be replaced by a short 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 link in a location to best connect different areas of greenspace together.
This is a very ' watery ' area.. the dip in the road at the bottom of the exit from Anzac bridge, always fills up with water when it rains.. I get it .. drainage is a problem in the area... but surely our engineering capacity is up for the challenge.
• There is now no direct pedestrian and cycling link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle Goods Yard
This proposal has abandoned the horseshoe pedestrian bridge but hasn’t reinstated the seamless park to park connection that was originally promised. This means that cyclists and pedestrians are forced to cross the Crescent via traffic lights.
• The people’s mural will be obscured
The proposed overpass will obstruct Rodney Monk’s heritage mural which decorates the northern side of the light rail viaduct along The Crescent and has significant local heritage value.
• Needs of motorists are prioritised over pedestrians, cyclists and residents
All these negative impacts are being driven by the exclusive focus by Transport for NSW on improved vehicle movements. The government should prioritise the needs of local residents, pedestrian and cyclist access and the retention of vegetation and greenspace over the movement of cars and traffic into WestConnex.
It was very depressing seeing ALL the greenery disappear from this Westconnect and The Cresent corner. I hope there are plans for tree planting when the work on roads is over.
Thanks for ll your work.
Kind regards
Susie Bond

I live 100m from The Crescent in Annandale and object to the proposed overpass.
It will not solve traffic congestion in Annandale. It will ruin views to the waterfront. It will hide the beautiful mural along The Crescent.
It will force cyclists and pedestrians to cross from Johnson St to the foreshore at a single set of lights. It will degrade the joy of living in Annandale.
But there is an alternative. Build an underpass under City West Link.
The rights of local residents must be prioritised as we will have to live with the consequences of the project. My family love cycling in our local area and want to safely cycle along Blackwattle Bay to Rozelle and Lilyfield. An underpass will ensure a balance between the rights of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians .

Proposed Overpass
The proposed overpass is an unsightly blemish on this harbourside locale and should not be considered the preferred option because:
An underpass would have less visual impact in this sensitive area;
An underpass could allow the retention of the green link in a location that would better connect different areas of open space.

Pedestrian and Cycling Links inadequate
There is now no direct pedestrian and cycling link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle Goods Yard. There is no park to park connection as originally promised. This means cyclists and pedestrians must cross the Crescent at traffic lights.

The heritage Crescent mural will be partially obscured by the overpass. Such an obstruction should not be countenanced if it reasonably can be avoided.

The proponents clearly can do much better and Planning NSW should not settle for second, or third, best.

1. The purpose to ease traffic around the new harbour tunnel is irrelevant since that project is not approved
2. Increased noise and visual obstruction for Annandale North
3. Safety risks when trucks and cars are driving above pedestrians and cyclists at the light rail station
4. Obstruction of the people's mural

BUILD AN UNDERPASS
BUILD SUFFICIENT NOISE CANCELLATION AROUND CITY WEST LINK

I object to the amended proposal. It will increase problems for locals on foot, bike and by car. It will be visually very intrusive. It breaks any direct connection between the railyards area and the foreshores. It marginalises the Crescent mural, a local heritage item. It privileges WCX when it is becoming clearer by the day that this is an outdated solution. Please revert to the original proposed underpass. Rob Stokes, Minister for Planning, wrote an article at the weekend in the Guardian promoting the NSW government's intentions to increase amenity for pedestrians and cyclists, increase safe space, increase open space. WCX has a long list of environmental destruction in the inner west. Please don't add this entirely destructive piece of infrastructure to that list. Cyclists commuting to the city will face significantly increased congestion, greater danger and an extra 15 minutes on their journey. This is a very negative outcome. Please note, if there is another submission from me a few minutes ago, that's because your website froze.

The evidence demonstrates this modification won’t solve congestion in Annandale. I am a cyclist, pedestrian and a car driver so this will affect me and my family in every way. This will have a negative impact on the local residents. This overpass is only designed to address the additional traffic that will be created by WestConnex.
The plan for an overpass should be replaced by a short tunnel under the City West Link with slot trench approaches. An underpass provides the best visual and urban for a log term benefit and the more positive outcomes and should allow the retention of the green link in a location to best connect different areas of greenspace together.
There is now no direct pedestrian and cycling link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle Goods Yard
This proposal has abandoned the horseshoe pedestrian bridge but hasn’t reinstated the seamless park to park connection that was originally promised. This means that cyclists and pedestrians are forced to cross the Crescent via traffic lights.
I strongly object to this design.

I object to this modification as the proposal provides no direct pedestrian and cycle link between the Glebe foreshore and Rozelle as promised in the EIS. It is yet again another benefit promised to residents as a carrot in the EIS which we won't actually get and givenI am currently listening to tunneling 24/7 for the fourth week in lock down I think residents in Rozelle deserve some benefits!!
This proposal has abandoned the horseshoe pedestrian bridge but hasn’t reinstated the seamless park to park connection that was originally promised. This means that cyclists and pedestrians are forced to cross the Crescent via busy, noisy traffic lights which are not safe for children. We had envisaged bike trips to Bicentennial Park with our kids at the end of this nightmare and now this promise has been removed.

I live in Annandale and I am an active participant in the local Annandale community, and I object to the proposed overpass project at The Crescent.
Firstly, the overpass is not needed. Aside from a brief period of traffic congestion in the morning, traffic flow is not an issue in Annandale. An overpass is simply not needed and is a waste of tax payer time and money
Secondly, the proposed overpass will limit pedestrian and bicycle access to the glebe foreshore. Green spaces are such a crucial part of the Annandale community and are utilised daily by hundreds of residents. The overpass will make accessing the glebe foreshore more difficult and interferes with linking of green spaces in Annandale
Thirdly, the overpass will obstruct the historic mural and important artwork to our community

Please reconsider this project. If greater road access is needed, build a tunnel. An overpass is unhelpful, obstructive and interferes with pedestrian and cyclists ability to enjoy the local community