In a major milestone, the Rozelle Interchange, Australia’s biggest road infrastructure project, has passed the halfway mark for tunnelling works.
NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said more than 9,000 workers have worked on this stage of the WestConnex project, which also includes the Iron Cove Link.
12km has been completed so far from the overall 24km worth of tunnelling, which will include three levels of tunnels in some parts.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in major road infrastructure projects because we know improving our road network makes a real difference to people’s lives, while also providing much needed local jobs at a time when we need them most,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Rozelle Interchange is the missing link in the WestConnex Project and, along with the M4-M5 tunnels, will provide connections to the City West Link and the future Western Harbour Tunnel, while also bypassing Victoria Road.”
The project is expected to use 640,000 cubic metres of concrete and 32,000 tonnes of Australian steel.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, said while tunnelling continues underground, plans to transform the old Rozelle Rail Yards into a park are coming to life.
“We know construction of the Rozelle Interchange is having a big impact on local residents and we thank them for their patience,” Mr Constance said.
“When the project is finished, the new Rozelle Parklands will have green fields for leisure activities, a boardwalk, picnic areas, play equipment, and new pedestrian and cycling paths.
“The ten hectares of public parkland and open space will transform life in the Inner West, and will be a great legacy for Rozelle locals and the wider Sydney community.”
The Rozelle Parklands’ Urban Design Landscape Plan was on public display last in 2020. Submissions have been collated and the UDLP is currently with DPIE.
The Rozelle Parklands Working Group has started meeting formally to determine the optimal uses for the park. The Rozelle Interchange is on schedule to be completed by late 2023.
