A cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of the Mona Vale Rd West upgrades, leaving residents and commuters concerned about the fate of these critical infrastructure initiatives. However, work on Mona Vale Rd East upgrades continues.
Mona Vale Rd West project covers a 3.4-kilometer stretch between McCarrs Creek Rd, Terrey Hills, and Powderworks Rd, Ingleside. Initially funded by the Perrottet Government with a $340-million commitment, the project’s future has been thrown into uncertainty following a strategic review of infrastructure projects by the newly-elected Minns Government.
Mona Vale Rd West: Funding Review Sparks Controversy
In the aftermath of a recent serious head-on collision on the road in mid-August 2023, Pittwater MP Rory Amon has expressed uncertainty regarding the fate of the previously funded project aimed at widening Mona Vale Road West. He has urged the State Government to uphold the upgrade despite concerns.
Mr Amon took action by writing to both the Minister for Roads and the Treasurer. He emphasized the crucial need to retain the allocated $340 million for the project in the forthcoming Budget.
“[The] collision is an unfortunate reminder that the widening and safety upgrades of Mona Vale Road West are paramount and must proceed. The allocated $340 million must remain in the Labor Government’s Budget being delivered on 19 September2023. With each day that goes by, lives are put at risk. The widening and safety upgrades will address these risks and also significantly reduce congestions across the road network,” Mr Amon stated.
Whilst the detailed design work for Mona Vale Rd West continues, the project itself has been placed under review. John Graham, NSW Minister for Roads, has acknowledged the review and noted that the project’s fate will be determined based on the findings.
Key Features of Mona Vale Rd West Upgrade
- Creating a new traffic signal intersection, dedicated turning lanes, and a truck climbing lane
- Widening Mona Vale Road to four lanes with a central concrete safety barrier
- Relocating and reconfiguring existing intersections for enhanced safety
- Constructing local road connections, shared use paths, and fauna crossings
- Upgrading street lighting, constructing retaining walls, and landscaping
- Community Concerns and Advocacy
Mona Vale Rd East: Transforming a Notorious Traffic Route
For the past four years, a monumental effort has been underway to transform Mona Vale Rd East, the one-lane-each-way route that leads into the northern beaches of Sydney. The ambitious $140-million upgrade aims to tackle the notorious traffic jams that have plagued the road, with over 210,000 cubic meters of rock and soil already removed.
The project, which covers 3.2 kilometers between Manor Rd at Ingleside and Foley St, Mona Vale, involves massive rock breaking and excavations to reshape the terrain and widen the road to four lanes.
Transport authorities anticipate that the completed upgrade will improve safety and reduce travel times for the approximately 35,000 vehicles that traverse Mona Vale Rd daily. The project includes various safety measures such as a fauna overpass and underpass to protect local wildlife from road traffic.
Although originally expected to conclude during the 2022/23 financial year, a firm completion date remains uncertain due to unforeseen delays.
Key Features of Mona Vale Rd East Upgrade
- Widening Mona Vale Road to four lanes with a central concrete safety barrier
- Adding three-meter-wide shoulders for breakdowns and cyclists
- Replacing the existing roundabout with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings
- Establishing bus priority lanes and new bus stops
- Implementing speed limit changes and safety measures for trucks and buses
- Building retaining walls, cuttings, and other terrain-related features
- Enhancing fauna connectivity and upgrading drainage systems
Published 31-Aug-2023