Lane Cove Tunnel

The Lane Cove Tunnel is a 3.6 kilometre twin tunnel motorway running under Epping Road. It links the M2 Motorway at North Ryde with the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon. The tunnel allows motorists to travel between Falcon Street and the M2 without having to use the Pacific Highway, thereby avoiding traffic lights and traffic congestion. The tunnel has reduced the traffic volume on local streets and improved travel times for motorists travelling between the city and Sydney’s north-west.

The Lane Cove Tunnel is operated by Connector Motorways. For information on using the Lane Cove Tunnel go to the Connector Motorways site.

RTA vision

The RTA initiated the Lane Cove Tunnel Project in response to a marked increase in traffic on Epping Road following the completion of the Gore Hill Freeway. The Lane Cove Tunnel was designed to divert traffic from Epping Road, reduce travel times between the north-west and the city and provide a direct link between the north-west and The Sydney Orbital Network.

The RTA has a holistic approach to designing and planning its road projects.  In addition to considering traffic flow, travel times and public transport, urban design concerns feature prominently. These include environmental and heritage considerations, connectivity, local community needs, supporting green travel and enhancing urban environments. The RTA strives to ensure that its projects add value.

Road users

Road users benefit from:

• Quicker journey times between the city and Sydney’s developing north-western sector with connections to the expanding Sydney Orbital Road network.
• Less traffic congestion on Epping Road/Longueville Road and Mowbray Road West.

Public transport

Public transport users now have:

• A new bus interchange at the Longueville Road/Epping Road intersection near Parklands Avenue, Lane Cove.
• Faster bus services, due to new bus lanes along Epping Road.

Local community

Local residents benefit from:

• Reduced traffic noise.
• Improved local air quality.
• Improved access for local traffic by reinstatement of right turns on Epping Road at Parklands Avenue and Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove.

For more information regarding the features and benefits of the Lane Cove Project click here.

Key features

RTA road projects aim to provide safe and efficient travel for all road users. Many road projects also include significant features which beautify our cities and create a desirable, enjoyable urban landscape. For instance, installing cycleways provides people with green travel and leisure opportunities. Upgrades to parks and roadside landscaping enhance the amenity of urban environments. Preserving heritage sites protects the historical riches of our cities and inspires civic pride.

Features of the Lane Cove Tunnel Project include the following.

The North Ryde to Naremburn Cycleway

A continuous pedestrian and cycle path linking North Ryde and Naremburn. This pathway provides a safe and healthy alternative for commuters. It is part of a key regional bicycle route north-west of Sydney Harbour.

Extensive planting

Four hundred thousand native plants have been incorporated to enhance the landscaping of the Lane Cove Tunnel Project. These plants give road users and local communities a pleasant environment and support Australia’s fauna and flora.

Pedestrian overpass on Longueville Road

An overpass linking the Lane Cove shopping area with the new bus interchange.

For more information regarding the key features of the Lane Cove Tunnel Project, click here.

Planned improvements

After the Lane Cove Tunnel opened, the RTA and local governments assessed the impact of the tunnel on local communities and reviewed opportunities for local street improvements. Plans for local road works have now been approved by the Department of Planning.

These works will be undertaken in 2010. Click here for more information on planned improvements.