NSW: Western Sydney motorists to be hit with another toll

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2003
NSW: Western Sydney motorists to be hit with another toll

Motorists from Sydney's west are likely to pay a second toll if they want to get to
the city quickly, after New South Wales Roads Minister CARL SCULLY unveiled three options
to extend the M4 motorway eastwards.

Mr SCULLY has defended the imposition of yet another toll, saying it's not unusual
for drivers to pay two tolls in Sydney.

He backs the Roads and Traffic Authority recommendation for the shorter of two tunnel
options, costing about $1.4 billion.

A 3.6-kilometre twin tunnel would run under Parramatta Road from North Strathfield
to Haberfield, with an exhaust stack near each end.

But the NRMA says it would prefer the long tunnel option -- stretching 6.7 kilometres
to Lilyfield, costing around $2 billion and requiring four stacks.

The third option involves a lowered motorway in a slot beside Parramatta Road, extending
to Haberfield.

This would require the acquisition of around 300 businesses and homes.

Mr SCULLY says construction will start by the end of 2006.

AAP RTV jph/nf/rd/rt

KEYWORD: MOTORWAY (SYDNEY)

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