| Previous Section | Table of Contents | Overview Summary | Next Section |
The EIS states that the preferred option is to construct the Gore Hill Freeway shared cycleway as the first stage of the Gore Hill Freeway works so as to provide a route that is 'clear of the works for the duration of the project and removing cyclists from any further staging considerations'
We totally support this recommendation as an excellent way to provide continuity of access while advancing the benefits of this project for pedestrians and cyclists needing to make short trips connecting Naremburn, Artarmon, Artarmon Industrial Area and Lane Cove. Site Compound H also appears to obstruct access from Park Rd and the existing route along Olympia and Grandview Streets to the existing cycleway through Bicentennial Park, highlighting the importance of building this section early.
The existing bicycle lane is along the entire length of the Gore Hill Freeway and connects under the Pacific Highway to Longueville Road, Lane Cove. While this connection to Longueville Road is not very pleasant for cyclists, it is accessible and used frequently by fit and experienced cyclists and even more in quieter times of the week.
The eastern connection of the new Gore Hill Cycleway needs to be directly from the Park St exit of the cycleway and we need to be assured that this connection will remain accessible during construction. We are though primarily concerned as to the connection point in the west. We feel it is unlikely that the underpass of the Pacific Highway will be in place or accessible at that early stage in the project due to tunnel works disruption and need to know exactly how the Gore Hill Cycleway will connect to Longueville Road and the Pacific Highway. Despite repeated questioning we have been unable to gain any answer to our question in that regard.
We have also experienced some confusion in some of the detail of the construction staging which needs clarification.
For example, it is unclear as to whether the section of the Gore Hill Freeway between Park Rd and Willoughby Shops will be available to cyclists during construction. Comments in the Concept Design Report that 'Cyclists would then be directed from the cycleway at the Park Road viaduct to Willoughby Road, rejoining the Gore Hill Freeway at the Willoughby Road southbound merge. Northbound cyclists would exit to Willoughby Road from the Gore Hill Freeway and follow the above route in reverse' are suggestive that this will be the case. Confirmation of the eastern route during construction is needed plus assurance that this bicycle lane will definitely be available once construction of the widening project is completed.
Also the Construction Sequence documentation does not appear quite compatible with the Construction Program which has construction of the Gore Hill Cycleway as completed before Eastern End Works. Does this mean a temporary facility in some places will be built first. For example, Stage 2 includes 'Construct permanent GHF westbound transit lane and cycleway roadworks including retaining works' Stage 5 includes 'construct permanent works for cycleway adjacent to east facing Pacific Highway entry ramp'
If stage 2 is the early start, will the existing cyclelane facility continue to be accessible while the westbound transit lane and cycleway is being built? If not, what other facility will be provided?
The cyclelanes provided along a short section of Mowbray Road West will remove an unpleasant cycle 'blackspot' in the Willoughby City Council area. This narrow and steep section of road is a deterrent to useful cycling routes. This section will provide far more direct access to Chatswood for the experienced commuter cyclist and a link to a local backroads bike route in Willoughby Council area.
It is essential that this cycle facility, built to link to Avian Cr is provided at the same time as the Mowbray Road West realignment.
Unlike section further east, the section of Epping Road from Wicks Road to the Lane Cove River does not appear to have any dependency on tunnel completion.
We strongly recommend that given the current complete lack of a cycle facility between the Lane Cove River and Pittwater Road, construction of that link commence much earlier in the project rather than after the tunnel is completed and Epping Road is being rearranged.
Document Created 2 February 2002