Construction is expected to start in early 2022, with the motorway open to traffic in 2025, subject to the detailed design and construction program.

The M6 Stage 1 provides twin four kilometer tunnels linking the M8 at Arncliffe to President Avenue at Kogarah. M6 Stage 1 has been given planning approval to tunnel 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The impact on properties above the tunnel, such as noise and vibration, is expected to be minimal and temporary. Noise and vibration levels will also depend on ground conditions, building types, existing background noise levels, proximity to the work activities and the quality of the existing buildings.

We will use up to six roadheaders initially to excavate the M6 Stage 1 tunnels. These machines are fitted with a large cutting head which will mine out the tunnels. As the project progresses, additional roadheaders will be added.

Tunnelling is a three-stage process. Firstly, the roadheader excavates in one to five metre advances. This is followed by the installation of rock bolts to support the ground. These rock bolts can be up to 10 metres long. Finally, the tunnel roof and walls are sprayed with concrete to reinforce the tunnel.

Tunnelling has started from the Arncliffe site on Marsh Street, previously used by the M8 project.

Towards the end of the year tunnelling will also start from the Rockdale site on West Botany Street and the Bicentennial Park Rockdale site.

The average depth of the tunnels is 60 metres with the deepest point up to 91 metres deep. An online tunnel tool which shows the location and depth of the tunnels can be found here.

A detailed monitoring program has been developed that will include regular monitoring of vibration, ground borne noise and settlement. Each eligible property along the tunnel alignment will be offered a property condition survey to be conducted pre and post construction.

Vibration will be monitored during construction to make sure it meets the Project’s guidelines and is consistent with predictions presented in the M6 Stage 1 Environmental Impact Statement: Chapter 11 which can be viewed on the M6 Stage 1 interactive portal. We will use a range of measures to reduce construction impacts on the community depending on the work site and type of construction work being carried out. We will ensure we are compliant with planning approval conditions.

In order to minimise construction impacts to the road network, night work will be required. We have developed a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan (CNVMP) which identifies potential impacts and mitigation measures to address these where required. Our experience shows that by providing ongoing and regular communication to all residents theyare better able to manage the impacts. We will always notify residents before any night work starts and use mitigation measures depending on the site and type of work we are doing.

Some examples of how we will manage noise and vibration include:

• laying out our sites so noisy equipment is shielded by other buildings wherever possible

• monitoring noise and vibration during our work

• carrying out noisy activities during the day wherever possible

• ensuring equipment is serviced and maintained

• turning off machinery and equipment when not in use

• providing respite (breaks from our work) where possible

• providing other mitigation measures to residents when required as part of our Environmental Protection Licence (EPL)

The approved haulage routes include major arterial roads such as West Botany Street, President Avenue and Princes Highway. All workers are advised of the approved haulage routes. Our haulage vehicles are also tracked using GPS, which allows us to ensure our drivers are using the approved routes. Our trucks also have M6 Stage 1 signage to help identify which trucks are working for the Project.

M6 Stage 1 vehicles can use approved routes as mentioned above. If you live in a local road outside the approved haulage routes and there are trucks using your street, you can call us on 1800 789 297 or email info@M6Stage1.com.au. It will be helpful if you can provide the registration number and truck identifier or a photo so that we can follow this up with our contractor. If vehicles are parked illegally, please contact Bayside Council as rangers have the authority to issue infringement notices.

Trees will be removed in Bicentennial Park, the Rockdale construction site, Scarborough Park and some nearby streets. We will try to keep as many trees as possible. There are environmental retention zones around parts of the wetlands in Bicentennial Park where trees will not be removed and vegetation will be protected during the work. Environmental assessments were undertaken during the development of the Environmental Impact Statement. We have engaged arborists and ecologists to survey the number of trees that need to be removed. At the end of the project, all trees removed will be replaced.

We will maintain an environmental exclusion zone around the wetland. Once construction work has been completed the wetland will be restored. There will also be a new bridge constructed over the pond.

During construction the pond will be diverted while we build the tunnel entry and exit ramps. This will be done in a way to keep the northern and southern ponds connected while we support and excavate the cut and cover tunnel. We will then backfill and reinstate the wetland before opening the waterway again. We will aim to open the waterway as soon as possible.

Look at the Bicentennial Park Ponds Fact Sheet for more information.

The M6 Stage 1 includes construction of a five kilometre shared pedestrian and cyclist pathway which will start at the existing cycleway at Muddy Creek, next to Bestic Street, Brighton-Le-Sands, and will continue south to Kogarah through Rockdale Bicentennial Park and Scarborough Park, ending in Chuter Avenue, Monterey.

The shared pedestrian and cyclist pathway will consist of four bridges at the following locations: Scarborough Park South, President Avenue, Bicentennial Park and Muddy Creek. There will also be eight board walks, concrete paths, lighting, and landscaping to ensure an enjoyable walk any time of the day. The pathways will increase amenity for pedestrians and cyclists by providing safe and direct routes and connections to local centres, schools, public transport and other destinations.

Preparatory work is underway on Bruce and Bay Streets, with the majority of the work kicking off later this year. Once the design is complete, we will provide more detail. We hope to open this fantastic community facility up to the public in 2024.

The permanent power supply is a 7km long underground cable that will help power the M6 Stage 1 tunnel’s electrical systems such as lighting, messaging signals and communications.

This permanent power source will bring power from the Canterbury substation to the Motorway Operations Complex to be built on West Botany Street.

We listened to your feedback during the EIS and we have made changes to traffic and access around President Avenue to improve traffic flow with less stopping and starting.

• Moorefield Avenue remaining open as a left in, left out intersection

• Installing traffic lights at Lachal Avenue to provide a right hand turn from President Avenue

• Maintaining the existing parking spaces on Lachal Avenue

• Installing traffic lights and removing a small amount of parking at Civic Avenue to improve access and safety

• Switching traffic directions in Traynor Avenue and Lachal Avenue

• Installing an additional left hand turn lane at the intersection on West Botany Street

Please click here to view all traffic changes.