Newsroom

As cycleway underpasses are permanently removed to make way for Warringah Freeway upgrades, bike advocates are scratching their heads about what the outcomes will be for active transport.

The Warringah Freeway Upgrade (WFU) is a $1.18 billion project that will see major improvements to the road corridor in the bid to reduce congestion.

The project, as listed on the Transport for NSW website, will also include ‘around 2.5 kilometres of new and upgraded cycleways and pedestrian paths, integrated with public transport networks’.

However, concerns are growing amongst Sydney riders. Last month, an underpass on Falcon Street was permanently removed, which has resulted in massive detours for riders.

The Member for Willoughby, Mr Tim James, told The Post that the work was undertaken “to allow a new dedicated southbound bus lane to be built where the underpass was to allow for faster and more reliable bus journeys for customers and improved safety for road users”.

It is unclear if a replacement active transport thoroughfare will be delivered.

Bike advocates are concerned that they are being left in the dark as the project moves forward.

“Transport for NSW have not been forthcoming with any plans regarding the project,” says Bicycle NSW’s Head of Advocacy Francis O’Neill, “they have only provided us with information about detours and closures, and nothing about project plans such as the Ridge St Bridge closure and the Falcon St underpass.”

“We have actually halted our meetings with them and escalated concerns about the lack of consultation and zero regard for active transport infrastructure,” Francis told us.

The planning approval for the WFU was made in 2021, with the condition that an Active Transport Network Review must be prepared in consultation with relevant Councils, Bicycle NSW and Bike North.

However, Bicycle NSW are yet to receive this.

“For many months, we have been requesting access to project plans including outcomes for the Active Transport Network Review that considers AT within 500m of the WFU,” says Francis. 

While the NSW Government is currently investing record amounts in active transport infrastructure, the permanent removal of existing facilities with no suggestion of replacement can undoubtedly leave riders alarmed.

You can read more about Bicycle NSW's Warringah Freeway Upgrade campaigning here.