Tunnel promises over 2000 NEW jobs

The Blue Mountains could become home to Australia’s longest road tunnel, as part of an “ambitious” proposal for the Great Western Highway upgrade. 

Key points:

• The tunnel is an update to the previously announced plan for two separate tunnels
• The NSW government is seeking funding from the Commonwealth for a longer single tunnel
• The government promises the tunnel will be toll free

The state government is “investigating” the possibility of an 11-kilometre tunnel which would connect Blackheath and Mount Victoria and cut down heavy congestion for commuters, tourists and freight workers. 

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the proposed tunnel would transform the state by better connecting the Central West to the East Coast.

"We have already committed to tunnels at Blackheath and Mount Victoria — this proposal would see those tunnels joined together, creating the longest road tunnel in the country," Mr Barilaro said.

"This is an immensely complex and ambitious plan, but we're working hard to make it happen because we know what a difference it will make to the lives of commuters, to regional businesses who need access to Sydney and vice versa, to freight companies, to families visiting relatives and to holiday makers."

Paul Toole, the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, said the new vision of a single tunnel is an update from the previously announced plan to create two separate tunnels — a 4km tunnel under Mt Victoria, and a 4.5km tunnel under Blackheath. 

“What we’re now looking at is whether investigations show if it’s feasible for the long tunnel to be put in place instead of those two," Mr Toole said.

The tunnel would aim to reduce heavy congestion for residents, tourists and road freight.

$2.5 billion has been committed to the two separate tunnels, and the state government is in talks with federal counterparts to secure more funding for the longer single tunnel, which it promises will be toll-free. 

The cost of the project is estimated to be between $7 billion and $8 billion, regardless of whether it is two separate tunnels or one connected tunnel. 

Mr Toole said it was a “complex” plan and investigations would continue until a decision is made next year on its feasibility. 

“It looks as though it could potentially become a reality,” he said. 

The proposal has received criticism from locals because of feared negative consequences on the town of Medlow Bath.

If the project goes ahead, locals are worried that Medlow Bath will bear the brunt of increased traffic as cars exit the tunnel into Medlow Bath which wouldn’t have a highway by-pass. 

“We have concerns in relation to congestion and access for the Hydro Majestic and Medlow Bath residents,” Michael Paag, spokesman for Blackheath Highway Action Group, said.

Mr Paag said the group instead wanted a 19km tunnel from Katoomba to Hartley to separate local traffic from tourists and freight transport. 

“If they’re going to explore an 11km tunnel, they should really look at having that tunnel start on the Sydney side of Medlow Bath and that way it will totally bypass the three villages.”

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