Joint Media Release: First end-to-end drive-through of NorthConnex

Sydney-siders will be given their first look at the congestion-busting NorthConnex tunnel today following the first end-to-end drive through of the $3 billion project.

A major milestone for the M1-M2 link in Sydney’s north, once finished it will mean motorists will by-pass up to 40 traffic lights from the Pacific Highway to the CBD.

The nine-kilometre, twin tunnels will change the way people across Sydney’s north commute from work to home.

Member for Bradfield, Paul Fletcher, said once complete, NorthConnex would save commuters up to 15 minutes’ travel time, while avoiding more than 20 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road.

“In addition to busting congestion, the NorthConnex project has also been a key job-creator,” Mr Fletcher said.

“NorthConnex will take pressure off local roads and improve community safety by taking up to 5,000 trucks per day off Pennant Hills Road,” he said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NorthConnex has already been a game-changer for Sydney with construction powering ahead and creating 8,700 jobs.

“We are so close to finishing NorthConnex and just today we’ve got around 400 workers across 11 sites.”

“It means across Sydney we’ll be getting you home sooner and safer.”

“It also shows our ongoing successful partnership in creating jobs with the New South Wales Government.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said NorthConnex had been a jobs bonanza for the people of NSW.

“The benefits of NorthConnex are endless - people travelling from the north will save up to 15 minutes getting into the city,” Mr Tudge said.

“It also means you can drive from Newcastle to Melbourne without a single set of traffic lights, which is great news for the people of the Central Coast.”

The Commonwealth Government has committed $412.3 million towards NorthConnex on top of the NSW Government’s commitment of $577.3 million, including the use of Hornsby Quarry for spoil management. The remainder of the funding for the project has been met by the private sector.

Watch the full drive through of the NorthConnex tunnel at https://f.io/Ux2Dvo8x.