Sydney Tunnel Opens Amid Protests

ABCNews ( Australia) ^ | 28 August 2005 | Staff

[Our_Man_In_Gough_Island]

New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has conceded there will be some problems when the Sydney Cross-City Tunnel faces its first test of peak-hour traffic.

Mr Iemma has officially opened the tunnel, cutting the ceremonial ribbon with the same scissors used for the opening of Harbour Bridge in 1932.

After a walk-through by pedestrians this morning, the tunnel opens to cars late tonight.

Mr Iemma says any traffic problems connected with the tunnel will be temporary.

"I take the advice of the traffic engineers and the experts as to how they're working," he said.

"There's a plan to manage the transition ... there will be teething problems with any large piece of infrastructure.

"This project has to fit into the existing road network and when you're delivering something as large and complex as this, there will be teething problems."

Mr Iemma has conceded road closures surrounding the tunnel may lead to more traffic congestion.

A small group of protesters gathered outside the tunnel during the opening, arguing the Government should be investing in improving rail services instead of new motorways.

After the opening, thousands of people walked the two-kilometre route, including construction workers and Roads and Traffic Authority staff.

Members of the public also participated to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Melinda Harrington of Balmain was among them.

"I figured if I walked through, that by the time I drive through it I'll know where to go," Ms Harrington said.

The tunnel will face its first test of peak-hour traffic tomorrow morning.

[bill1952]

A small group of protesters gathered outside the tunnel during the opening, arguing the Government should be investing in improving rail services instead of new motorways

What? And if that had happenned there would be a group of protestors bitching about that, as well?

Too many agendas, not enough IQ.

[Our_Man_In_Gough_Island]

Yes, that seems remarkably negative for such an innovative and constructive idea, but I suppose it is the nature of such advances to generate a certain amount of this kind of opposition.

[naturalman1975]

What? And if that had happenned there would be a group of protestors bitching about that, as well?

They lack the style of the protester at the opening of the Harbour Bridge in 1932.

Born in Ireland, de Groot served in the British army, becoming a captain during World War I. He migrated to Australia in 1920 and established an antique business and later a furniture manufacturing business. He was a staunch monarchist, militarist and passionate anti-communist. He joined the right-wing New Guard movement formed in Sydney in 1931.

The New Guard was particularly opposed to NSW Labor Premier Jack Lang, and had various plans to prevent him opening the Harbour Bridge - the event of the year in 1932. At the official opening de Groot rode up on horseback and cut the ribbon with a sword before the Premier could do so. The ribbon was later retied and cut by Lang.

[bill1952]

I'm sure that accomplished a lot. 8^)

But thats all we would need- protesters on horseback with swords.

[martin_fierro]

[Gay State Conservative]

Hopefully,Sydneysiders have done a better job with their tunnel than we Bostonians did with ours...which came in at seven times the original budget estimate ($14 billion vs $2 billion) and has sprung a million leaks,which they say will cost millions to fix.

But then,this is a project that was pushed by Fat Teddy, America's Only Vietnam Vet and The Tank Commander (Dukakis).

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

But then,this is a project that was pushed by Fat Teddy, America's Only Vietnam Vet and The Tank Commander (Dukakis).

I think when Bin Laden made his decision to go to war with America he took a close look at the those who represent us in Congress.

Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, Barbara Mikulski....etc.....

He just assumed Americans were defective and weak.

He didn't figure on George W. Bush.....

[MarkL]

"I figured if I walked through, that by the time I drive through it I'll know where to go," Ms Harrington said.

It's a tunnel... My guess is that it's going to be pretty hard to take a wrong turn and get lost while you're down there, you twit!

Mark