Managing noise
Transport for NSW understands noise can be a source of disruption to local communities during the construction and operation of major road projects. This page provides more detail on how we will manage noise as part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade.
Construction noise Operational noise At-property noise treatment Contact Us
Overview
The Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade project involves the creation of a third crossing of Sydney Harbour connecting to the M4-M5 Link at Rozelle and the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray, creating a western bypass of the CBD. Once complete, the project is predicted to reduce traffic noise for more than 60 per cent of properties near our surface roads.
There are generally two types of noise which may impact the community:
- Construction noise - Temporary noise from construction activities while we build the project
- Operational noise - Noise from road traffic once the project is complete
We understand noise is personal and is perceived differently from one person to the next. Noise is measured on a scale of units called decibels. We assess noise by averaging the quietest and loudest measurements while also considering how the human ear perceives it.
Construction noise
Residents who live near our work sites may hear noise during construction activities, such as when we are working on the road, delivering materials and removing spoil from tunnelling sites. Construction noise is temporary and often changes as work progresses.
To minimise the impact of noise on the local community, we use a range of mitigation measures to manage noise at the source. This includes temporary noise barriers around specific work areas, using less noisy equipment and staging our work to avoid extended periods of disruption.
We will be in contact with you throughout construction about how our work may impact you.
Operational noise
The project will improve noise levels for many properties but we acknowledge there will be some parts of the community who live near our permanent facilities and surface road upgrades who may notice some more noise as a result of an increase in traffic going in and out of the tunnels.
We always try to mitigate traffic noise at the source first through the road design process, including installing low noise pavement and noise barriers. We also consider the need for noise treatment at properties if our target noise levels can’t be achieved through at-source measures.
For further information on how we assessed noise and predicted impacts, read the below EIS chapters.
At-property noise treatment
We understand noise can be a source of disruption to local communities during the construction and operation of major road projects. To minimise the impact of our project on local residents, we are delivering at-property noise treatment to eligible properties. Noise treatment refers to architectural acoustic measures which aim to improve the sound resistance of properties, such as window and door upgrades.
We have developed a Noise Insulation Program which outlines the criteria and process for delivering noise treatment to affected properties as part of the project.
Providing at-property treatment is a complex process and involves a number of different steps. To learn more, see our fact sheet.
Contact Us
Noise Insulation Program
For all enquiries related to at property noise treatment or operational noise.
1800 312 772
Warringah Freeway Upgrade
For all construction related enquiries and noise complaints.
1800 931 189
Welcome to the Warringah Freeway Upgrade EIS map
Explore our interactive map to see the project alignment and key information about the proposed design and construction of the project.
Please note: This interactive map contains information from the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway UpgradeEnvironmental Impact Statement (EIS)which was published in January 2020. Since then, our design and planning for Warringah Freeway Upgrade has continued to progress, including the release of the Submissions Report in September 2020, project approval in January 2021,start of early works activities in March 2021 and the award of the design and construction contract to CPB Contractors and Downer EDIWorks in a joint venture.
For the latest project information, please visit the documents section of our portal or contact our team.
Welcome to the Warringah Freeway Upgrade Construction Notifications map
This map displays the current construction activities for the project, and is constantly updated.
Select a hotspot from the map or the left sidebar to review the notification. You can also download the notification and add the work time to your calendar.
Please revisit or bookmark this page for the latest information, sign up for project notifications here.
Welcome to the Warringah Freeway Upgrade portal
This dedicated interactive portal contains the latest information, maps and videos about the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project.
If you are looking for information about the Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection or Western Harbour Tunnel, please visit the dedicated project portals:
Western Harbour Tunnel portal Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection
If you have any complaints or enquiries, please contact us.
At-property noise treatment
We understand noise can be a source of disruption to local communities during the construction and operation of major road projects. To minimise the impact of our project on local residents, we are delivering at-property noise treatment to eligible properties. Noise treatment refers to architectural acoustic measures which aim to improve the sound resistance of properties, such as window and door upgrades.
We have developed a Noise Insulation Program which outlines the criteria and process for delivering noise treatment to affected properties as part of the project.
Providing at-property treatment is a complex process and involves a number of different steps. To learn more, see our fact sheet.
We are starting the process of delivering noise treatment before the project is approved so residents benefit from reduced noise as early as possible.
Warringah Freeway Upgrade Tender Hub - Contact us
Warringah Freeway upgrade Tender Hub - Contact us
We are happy to coordinate virtual tutorials to explain the tools and techniques of the model as required.
Please raise a question in the RFT Data Room should you require any additional support.
Warringah Freeway Upgrade - Contact us
What is an EIS?
The EIS assesses the potential environmental and social impacts of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade during construction and operation. The EIS also includes strategies to avoid, mitigate and manage the potential impacts of the project.
In the EIS, we cover topics such as traffic and transport, air quality, noise and vibration, construction and biodiversity impacts.
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) placed the EIS on exhibition from 29 January to 30 March 2020. This closing date was extended from 12 March following feedback from the community. During this time everyone had the opportunity to make submissions on the project. We are now working on a submissions report to respond to the issues raised. This report will be made public. All submissions made to DPIE are available on their website.
Make a submission
Have your say on Warringah Freeway Upgrade
How to make an online submission:
- Visit DPIE’s Major Projects website at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects
- Create a user account by clicking the ‘Sign In’ icon in the top right of the homepage or under the ‘Services’ tab and then click the ‘Have Your Say’ link
- When you are logged in, find the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project, and click the ‘Make a Submission’ icon.
How to make a hard copy submission:
You can submit a hard copy of your submission. If you want DPIE to delete your personal information before publication, please make this clear at the top of your letter. You need to include:
- your name and address, at the top of the letter only
- the name of the application and application number: SSI_8863
- a statement on whether you support or object to the proposal
- the reasons why you support or object to the proposal
- a declaration of any reportable political donations made in the previous two years.
You can hand deliver your submission to DPIE’s office, located at:
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
You can post your submission to:
Attention: Director, Transport Assessments
Planning & Assessment, Department of Planning
Industry and Environment
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124
Submissions must be received by DPIE before midnight 30 March 2020.
Filter the EIS
Select the topics you are interested in reading about
Related chapters
Select from topics of interest above
Privacy statement
Transport for NSW (“we”) are collecting your personal information in connection with public consultation on the Western Harbour Tunnel, Warringah Freeway Upgrade and Beaches Link projects (“the Program”). We will retain and use this information for consultation purposes, including communications and analysis in connection with the Program.
We may share your submission or complaint with another NSW government agency where relevant having regard to the nature of the submission or complaint. Otherwise, except for anonymous information which does not identify you, we will not publish or disclose your personal information to any third parties without your consent unless authorised by law.
Providing your personal information is voluntary but if you do not provide it we may not include you on our stakeholder database and you might miss further consultation opportunities.
Your personal information will be held and managed by Transport for NSW in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and you can contact us to access or correct it. Please email us at whtbl@transport.nsw.gov.au, write to us at Transport for NSW, Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059, or call us on 1800 931 189.
Website accessibility
This statement relates to content available on the Transport for NSW Warringah Freeway Upgrade portal (https://caportal.com.au/rms/wfu). This website has been developed with the aim to be available to the widest possible audience, including those using assistive technology or accessibility features.
Ongoing monitoring and development is part of our strategy and we strive to comply with W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.At times, we publish documents and publications received from third parties. These third party documents may not adhere to the standards followed by Transport for NSW.
If you have any questions or comments about this statement or have problems accessing information or functions on this site please contact us.
Adobe PDF
This site contains information in portable document format (PDF). These files are made available so information is easy to download and is portable.
Some documents on this website may not conform with WCAG 2.0. If you encounter any problems accessing documents in PDF format please contact us.
Western Harbour Tunnel Beaches Link and Gore Hill Freeway Connection
Acknowledgement of country
Transport for NSW acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land, and respects Elders past and present.
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