Western Harbour Tunnel route through Rozelle, Balmain and Birchgrove revealed

By ERIN MODARO

Inner West residents can now find out if their properties will be affected by construction on The Western Harbour Tunnel. The NSW government has released the detailed route of tunnelling that will cut through Rozelle and Balmain, and into Birchgrove, showing residential properties both directly affected or within an influenced zone.

The Western Harbour Tunnel will go hand in hand with upgrades to the Warringah Freeway, connecting Rozelle via the WestConnex interchange, cutting north-east through Rozelle, Balmain and Birchgrove before connecting to North Sydney.

The tunnel has been controversial with Inner West residents since the conception of the project. With construction beginning, residents can now know if they are going to be in the immediate construction zone of the tunnel when works go ahead.

The government has released an interactive map illustrating the line of properties within the ‘sphere of influence’ of construction. The map splits up affected areas into vehicle tunnels, cross passages, ventilation tunnels and temporary tunnels for both the Western Harbour Tunnel, and the Rozelle Interchange.

The map indicates construction for the Western Habour vehicle tunnels will begin on Emily Street in Rozelle, affecting properties in a line north-east of this point. The northern end of affected properties reaches to Cove Street in Birchgrove, just shy of the waterfront.

Tunnelling depths have also been recorded, starting at 15 metres near the beginning on Emily Street and surrounds, and reaching its deepest point under Darling Street in Balmain at 74 metres.

Construction noise to be expected

In regard to expected disruptions from construction noise, the government has permission to carry out works 24 hours a day, including weekends. A ‘frequently asked questions’ document notes that tunnelling noise is dependent on the depth of the tunnel, but that residents may “hear some sound while we are tunnelling”.

“Roadheader excavation sounds like thunder which will occur 24/7. Rock bolting creates a temporary drilling noise which will occur 24/7. As this drilling noise stops and starts, it can be more noticeable to residents,” the document states.

It’s also noted that the deeper the tunnel is under homes, the less affected the property will be.

The government has also said that all properties located within 50 metres of the expected tunnelling route will be offered a free property condition survey, both before and after construction.