M2 Widening Project
M2 Update, June 2010
If enough people ask for something, it might just happen!
On Wednesday 27 May, Transurban presented the Environmental Assessment for the M2 widening to a group comprising representatives of cycling groups, Bike North, Camwest, BNSW and members of the public.
At the meeting it was clear that the volume of correspondence from cyclists about the periodic closure of the underpass from Vimiera Rd Marsield to the Brown's Waterhole cycle path, has had an effect. They have certainly got the message that cyclists need this essential link to remain open, and we believe that during construction, efforts will be made to accommodate cycle and pedestrian traffic.
As part of the EA, a safety audit of the proposed cyclist detour route was undertaken - from the safety of a motor vehicle, and on foot, but at no time was a bicycle used! Unsurprisingly, this raised roars of laughter from all but TU, Leightons and RTA, all of whom were quite surprised by this response. How anyone can take such an audit even half seriously in beyond belief. Bike North has offered to accompany the auditor when the final safety assessment is done.
Despite a small apparent victory over Brown's Waterhole access, there are many outstanding issues. The M2 Working Group will be looking at these in detail over the next weeks, to try to come up with sensible alternatives that will actually get implemented, given the ridiculous under-funding of the project. Your help will be needed again, so stay tuned!
The EA is on display in various locations listed on Hills M2 site. The EA documents can be downloaded from http://hillsm2upgrade.com.au/ea_documents.htm", also from NSW Department of Planning. The latter has a facility for online submissions from the general public relating to the EA.
Last update: 06/06/2010 — Copyright © 2005