Stapleton Transportation and Planning

Notes for interviews with Ch7 and Radio 702 (not all of which was quoted).

On the 9th May, 2013, the Federal government announced they might assist in funding an 8km tunnel between the F3 at Hornsby and the M2 at Pennant Hill Rd (Carlingford). It is logical to complete this connection.
Our yardstick is self-evident; "Will it still be successful in 20 or 30 years time; because its unlikely that anything else will be built in that corridor during that time?"

Building a 3 x 3 lane tunnel to will provide more than enough capacity but the increased demand will further congest the F3 between Hornsby and the Central Coast. This is not a 30-year answer.

Further, about 50% of traffic on the F3 uses the Pacific Highway to connect to other parts of the Metropolitan Area. This alignment will not take much traffic off the Pacific Highway.

One alternative to dismiss is the often-discussed Outer Ring from Peats Ridge (north of the Hawkesbury) to the west, around Rouse Hill. This would use almost the entire budget for Sydney for the next 50 years.

The original plan was is a link from Hornsby directly south to the M2 near Macquarie University 5.5km. This would take traffic off both the Pacific Highway and Pennant Hill Road. This would be more viable in the short term but busier in the long term.

The long-term solution to increase the capacity of the corridor using Express Rail.

Interestingly integrating a rail line with 2x2 lane tunnel from Hornsby to Macquarie Park is only 10% more than a 3x3 lane road tunnel to Pennant Hills Road. The 50 year plan would be a congestion toll that would fund the extension to the rail tunnel from Gosford to Hornsby and from Macquarie Park to the City and elsewhere.