The project

The Lane Cove Tunnel Project involved extensive planning and construction on a massive scale. This page outlines the major construction works and resulting road network features of the Lane Cove Tunnel Project. 

Why build the Lane Cove Tunnel?

The RTA undertook The Lane Cove Tunnel Project in response to a need to:

• Ease traffic congestion on Epping Road.
• Shorten travel times between the north-west and the city.
• Provide a direct link to The Sydney Orbital Network

Outcomes

The major outcomes of the project are:

• Twin 3.6 kilometre two-lane tunnels, with three lanes provided in long sections to improve safety and traffic flow for tunnel users.
• A seamless connection between the M2 Motorway and the Gore Hill Freeway, by-passing five sets of traffic lights on Epping Road.
• New north-facing ramps at Falcon Street providing tolled access to and from the Warringah Freeway.
• A new Falcon Street exit ramp from the city with the old ramp converted to a bus only ramp.

Snapshot of Lane Cove Tunnel Project

Major works

Major works undertaken during the project were:

• The construction of twin 3.6 kilometre two lane tunnels, with three lanes provided in long sections to improve safety and traffic flow for tunnel users.
• An additional lane in each direction on the Gore Hill Freeway to be used as transit lanes.
• New north facing ramps at Falcon Street providing access to and from the Warringah Freeway.
• Modifications to Epping Road to provide improved facilities for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.

Who built the Lane Cove Tunnel?

Connector Motorways was contracted to design, construct, maintain and operate the Lane Cove Tunnel. Connector Motorways Pty Ltd (formerly known as Lane Cove Tunnel Company Pty Ltd) is a privately owned, special purpose company created solely for the Lane Cove Tunnel Project. Ownership of the tunnel is scheduled to revert to the public in 2037.

Cost

$1.1 billion

Lane Cove Tunnel and its use

• The Lane Cove Tunnel has been designed as a toll road. Tolling is electronic to avoid the need for toll booths and to maintain smooth traffic flow.
• The Lane Cove Tunnel has a vertical clearance of 4.4metres. This will accommodate most trucks.
• The Lane Cove Tunnel has entry and exit points for both eastbound and westbound traffic at the Gore Hill Freeway, the Pacific Highway, Epping Road and the M2.

For information on using the Lane Cove Tunnel go to the Connector Motorways site.