The end is in sight for a major shire traffic bottleneck, with funding announced for planning to widen the rail underpass in Gannons Road, Caringbah.
The project, which is considered essential to cope with present and future development in the area, could be completed in 2020.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance, with Cronulla MP and Attorney-General Mark Speakman, announced the project after opening the Jannali train station upgrade, which includes a new pedestrian bridge and lifts – also designed to meet future needs. (Story Page 8).
“Gannons Road is currently a bottleneck for local traffic with the road reduced from two lanes in each direction to just one from the north and no room for pedestrians or cyclists on approach to the two bridges,” Mr Speakman said.
The first of two rail bridges over Gannons Road was built in 1939 and the second in 2010 when that line section was duplicated.
The newer bridge provides enough room for the road to be expanded to two lanes in each direction, however the older bridge needs to be upgraded to create additional space beneath it.
“This funding will allow for detailed planning work to upgrade the older bridge to start next year. Once this is completed, construction could commence towards the end of 2018 and be finished in about 12 to 18 months,” Mr Speakman said.
Mr Speakman said a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path would be built at the same time as part of the Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link.
Mr Speakman said the Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link would make it easier for locals and visitors to get around the area while keeping fit.
“Since the public display of the planning documents Transport for NSW has been reviewing feedback from the community and working with the local council and Roads and Maritime Services on the final design and the best way to deliver the route,” he said.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce welcomed the announcement.
“Council has been calling for the widening of this rail bridge for a number of years, as it has been a choke point for many road users,” he said.
“In light of today's announcement and the importance of this much needed upgrade, I will ask council to consider its road funding priorities and look for opportunities to contribute to the government's commitment in 2018 / 19,” he said.
