A virtual guided tour with 360 degree tunnel vision is giving the community behind-the-scenes access to Australia's deepest road tunnel, the $3 billion NorthConnex project, ahead of its grand opening.
The mega-project will soon be busting congestion for Sydney motorists when it opens, by slashing up to 15 minutes off travel times and taking up to 5000 trucks off Pennant Hills Road every day.
Connecting the M1 Motorway in Wahroonga to the Hills M2 Motorway via nine kilometre twin tunnels, NorthConnex will provide an underground bypass of the notorious Pennant Hills Road.
The NorthConnex virtual tunnel tour is the first of its kind in Australia, replicating the in‑person experience for the community ahead of its opening.
Current social distancing restrictions don't allow for an on-site community open day, with the innovative virtual tour ensuring the community won't miss out on this historic event.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said Sydney motorists will be able to see the extraordinary benefits of the NorthConnex tunnels.
"This is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated road infrastructure projects ever delivered in Australia," Mr Tudge said.
"It has not only provided thousands of jobs for Sydney, but will change the way people travel across the city."
"The guided tour is a rare opportunity to see the progress that has been made and gain an insight from the team that helped to build this game-changing project."
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NorthConnex is the missing motorway link drivers have been wanting for decades.
"Moving around Sydney's north is about to become more efficient and reliable. A one way trip through NorthConnex will take around eight minutes, saving drivers up to 15 minutes in travel time, compared to Pennant Hills Road," Mr Constance said.
"Drivers will bypass 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road and up to 5,000 trucks a day will be removed from this busy road corridor, easing congestion and improving safety."
NorthConnex is Australia's deepest road tunnel, reaching 90 metres at its deepest point - equivalent to 27 storeys - below the surface, with an average depth of 60 metres.
The $3 billion NorthConnex tunnels are in the final stages of operational testing and software commissioning and are scheduled to open in coming weeks.
The virtual guided tour and 360 degree vision can be accessed via northconnex.com.au.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government committing $412.3 million and the New South Wales Government $577.3 million, with remaining costs met by the private sector.
New vision of NorthConnex: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/p7iBstj7wa
