Q:

What is the Cross City Tunnel?

A:

The Cross City Tunnel (CCT) is a 2.1km motorway that runs east/west beneath the streets and buildings of the Sydney Central Business District.

The Cross City Tunnel will run under the Sydney central business district, between Darling Harbour and Rushcutters Bay, linking the Western Distributor at the western end to New South Head Road at the eastern end.

There will be underground links between the Cross City Tunnel (CCT) and the Eastern Distributor (ED), allowing motorists to move between the two motorways.

Traffic from the Eastern Suburbs will be able to use the westbound Cross City Tunnel, exiting at Sir John Young Crescent to access the city and harbour crossings.

Q:

Why do we need the Cross City Tunnel?

A:

The Cross City Tunnel has been designed to improve east/west travel across the Sydney central business district. At the moment cars and pedestrians compete for space in the city. This slows traffic and impedes the movement of pedestrians, cars, buses and delivery vehicles.

The CCT will make city streets more pleasant for pedestrians, residents and business people by providing more footpath space in some streets, removing intrusive through traffic, reducing traffic noise levels and improving air quality. 

Q:

What will the speed limit be inside the tunnel?

A:

The maximum speed permitted is 80 km/h.

Q:

Can pedestrians use the tunnel?

A:

No, pedestrians cannot use the tunnel.

Q:

Can bicycles use the tunnel?

A:

No. Due to safety concerns, bicycles cannot use the tunnel. William Street is being upgraded to provide facilities for cyclists.

Q:

What types of vehicles are not permitted to use the tunnel?

A:

Dangerous goods vehicles and vehicles over 4.4 metres will be prohibited from using the tunnel. All other vehicles will be able to use the tunnel.

Q:

How will I get to the Anzac Bridge from the tunnel?

A:

Cross City Tunnel will provide a direct connection to the Western Distributor and the Anzac Bridge. If you are travelling westbound, you travel through the tunnel and follow the signs.

Q:

How will I get to the Harbour crossings from the tunnel?

A:

If you're driving towards the city from Rushcutters Bay, take the Sir John Young Crescent exit. Access to the Harbour crossings is not possible if you are travelling eastbound in the tunnel. The Western Distributor is the alternative route providing direct access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Q:

How will I get to the Airport from the tunnel?

A:

If travelling from Darling Harbour on the Cross City Tunnel, simply take the Eastern Distributor exit. Access to the Eastern Distributor will not be possible if you are travelling towards the city from Rushcutters Bay in the tunnel. Please use an alternative route if you wish to travel to the Airport from the east.

Q:

How many traffic signals will the Cross City Tunnel avoid?

A:

Motorists will bypass 16 signals westbound and 18 signals eastbound.

Q:

Where will the entrances and exits be?

A:

Entrances:

Westbound - (1) eastern end of Kings Cross Tunnel (feeding from New South Head Road and Neild Avenue); (2) northbound Eastern Distributor.

Eastbound - (1) Direct connection from Western Distributor; (2) northbound on Harbour Street.

Exits:

Westbound - (1) Western Distributor, (2) Harbour Street

Eastbound - (1) Eastern end of Kings Cross Tunnel

Northbound - (1) Sir John Young Crescent (from westbound CCT)

Southbound - (1) Eastern Distributor (from eastbound CCT)

Q:

Will STA Buses use the tunnel?

A:

Currently there are no planned bus routes through the tunnel. Any bus services proposed for the tunnel will be announced before they begin operation.

Q:

How will air be released from the tunnel?

A:

Cross City Tunnel features a "third" tunnel beneath the 2 mainline tunnels. This third tunnel is designed to provide a superior ventilation system.

In normal operating conditions, air will first travel east in the eastbound tunnel before being directed into the westbound tunnel. After passing through the westbound tunnel, the air will be exhausted via the ventilation stack.

Air will be released from the tunnel via the single 60-metre high ventilation stack located between the existing Western Distributor viaducts above the eastern side of Darling Harbour.

The Cross City Tunnel at opening will have the most stringent in-tunnel air quality specifications of any major road tunnel in operation in Sydney. The specifications stipulate that no person in the tunnel is to be exposed to carbon monoxide in excess of 87 part per million, measured as a time weighted average exposure over 15 minutes.

Condition of Approval 258 limits the carbon monoxide exposure to 50ppm for 30 minutes exposure based on a rolling average.

Q:

How will you monitor air quality inside the tunnel?

A:

Inside the tunnel, carbon monoxide will be monitored at various locations to ensure levels do not exceed strict concentration limits at any time. In addition, an independent consultant will be engaged to monitor compliance.

Investigations will be carried out using the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) approved methods for sampling and analysing air pollutants in NSW.  The results are made available to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, the EPA and Department of Health.

Q:

How will you monitor air quality outside the tunnel?

A:

Comprehensive air quality monitoring will be undertaken, including a community-based monitoring station operated independently from the RTA.

A total of four air quality monitoring stations will be set up at ground level and at elevated locations. These will monitor ambient air quality in accordance with the standards and frequency specified in the Conditions of Approval (262-279).

The results of the monitoring will be provided to the EPA and DIPNR and will be available on this website.

An Air Quality Community Consultative Committee (AQCCC) will operate the community based air quality monitoring stations for a minimum of 3 years after the Cross City Tunnel opens to traffic.

A $50,000 fine (CPI adjusted) will apply for any day where specified air quality goals are breached by the stack emission.

Independent monitoring of all ambient air quality monitoring stations will be carried out and as well as six-monthly external audits of operating procedures, meteorological and emission monitoring data.

Q:

What will the ventilation stack be used for?

A:

Air will be released from the tunnel via the single 65-metre high ventilation stack.

Q:

Where is the stack?

A:

The ventilation stack is located to the west of Harbour Street between the existing Western Distributor viaducts above the eastern side of Darling Harbour.

Q:

Who approved the location of the stack?

A:

The location of the stack was approved by the Minister for Planning following assessment by DIPNR (Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources) and consultation with NSW Health and DEC (formerly the Environment Protection Authority).

Q:

Will I be able to use the tunnel if I have a respiratory condition?

A:

Some people with asthma or other respiratory conditions are particularly sensitive to air quality. People with these conditions should try to reduce exposure to vehicle emissions during peak periods. You can do this by closing the vehicle's windows and setting the air conditioning system to re-circulate.

For more information on air quality and asthma, contact NSW Health on (02) 9816 0234 or the Asthma Foundation of NSW on 1800 645 130.

Q:

How will I know if the tunnel is closed?

A:

Tunnel closures will be communicated in various ways.

The website will have up to date information about any closures and there will also be radio announcements. At the tunnel entrance points there will flashing lights and signage.

Further information on Sydney Roads closures can be obtain on

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficreports/sydney/sydney_east_inner_west.html

Q:

What are the tolls and associated fees?

A:

The toll payable is calculated based on the size of the vehicle and the route taken.

The toll is determined by the class of your vehicle and where you exit the tunnel.

Please refer to How much does it cost? for current toll amounts.

Q:

What is video tolling?

A:

Video tolling is the system used in the Cross City Tunnel to identify vehicles that do not have an electronic tag.

The system will require motorists to pre register their vehicle's number plate prior to the intended date of travel, or up to 3 days (72 hours) after travelling. This can be done by registering for a Pass at www.rta.nsw.gov.au/myrta/myetoll/index.html

As the vehicle passes through one of the tolling points of the tunnel, the cameras will photograph the number plate.

A list of all photographed number plates will then be verified against the list of registered number plates provided to us by the RTA.

Motorists without an electronic tag will pay the toll plus a video processing administration fees as set out on the RTA Web Site.

Q:

How much will the toll be?

A:

The toll payable is calculated based on the size of the vehicle and the route taken.

The toll is determined by the class of your vehicle and where you exit the tunnel.

Please refer to How much does it cost? for current toll amounts.  

Q:

How do I pay the toll to use the Cross City Tunnel?

A:

The Cross City Tunnel will be Sydney's first fully electronic toll road. There will be no toll booths for cash payment. In order for you to pay the toll, we must be able to identify your vehicle and match it to some form of payment mechanism, such as a credit card or a direct debit from a bank account.

Go to the How Do I pay? section of this website for details.

Q:

How do I set up a toll account?

A:

To apply for an Electronic tag for use in the Cross City Tunnel or any other toll road Contact Eway Ph: 1300 555 833 or visit their website www.tollpay.com.au

Q:

What is an electronic tag?

A:

Electronic tags are currently used on all major Australian tollroads, including Melbourne’s City Link and Queensland’s Logan and Gateway motorways. In Sydney the road network includes Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, M1 Eastern Distributor, M2 Hills Motorway, M4 Western Motorway, M5 South Western Motorway and Westlink M7.

Our preferred electronic tag issuer is Eway Ph: 1300 555 833 or visit their website www.tollpay.com.au  

The tag is a small device attached to the front windscreen of the vehicle. As the vehicle passess one of the tolling points of the tunnel, the tag will transmit a signal to the tolling equipment. This will acknowledge and deduct the appropriate toll amount from your toll account.

Q:

What should I do if my tag is not working properly?

A:

If you believe your tag may be defective or the battery is flat, please contact you tag provider. You should not try to open the tag casing yourself.

Q:

What happens if my tag is lost or stolen?

A:

If your tag is lost or stolen you should notify your tag provider as soon as possible so that your tag can be deactivated.  Any tolls, fees or charges incurred using your tag will remain your responsibility until the tag is deactivated.

Q:

Can I use my M5 or RTA tag on the Cross City Tunnel?

A:

Yes. All electronic tags, including tags from Queensland Motorways and Melbourne City Link, can be used on the Cross City Tunnel.

Q:

What happens if I drive through the Cross City Tunnel without tag?

A:

You should consider registering for an electronic tag (Eway Ph: 1300 555 833 or visit their website www.tollpay.com.au) which is the most economical and convenient way to pay the toll for the majority of tunnel users. If you don't want a tag you need to register for a pass. You may register for a pass up to 3 days (72 hours) after you drive through the Cross City Tunnel by contacting RTA on 131 865 or visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au/myrta/myetoll/index.html

Q:

What happens if I do not register within 3 days (72 hours)?

A:

CrossCity Motorway will forward your number plate to the RTA. The RTA will issue a Toll Notice on behalf of CrossCity Motorway. The Toll Notice will advise you to pay toll + a deferred toll fee of $10 within 14 days.

Q:

I have received a Toll Notice, but I sold my car before the infringement date. What do I do?

A:

Please complete the Statutory Declaration attached to the Toll Notice by nominating the new owner of the vehicle and return the Statutory Declaration to the address indicated. An infringement notice will be sent to the owner. Please contact the RTA's motor vehicle registry to ensure that the "transfer of ownership documents' are filed by yourself and by the new owner of the vehicle. 

Q:

I have receive a Toll Notice, while, in fact, someone else was driving the vehicle at the time of the offence. What do I do?

A:

Complete the Statutory Declaration attached to the Toll Notice by nominating the driver of the vehicle and return the Statutory Declaration to the address indicated. Please note that you are liable for payment if the nominated person does not pay within 14 days. 

Q:

I have received a Toll Notice. How can I pay cash?

A:

You can pay cash by visiting our Customer Service Centre at 131 Cathedral Street (Entry Palmer Street, ground level).

Q:

I have received a Toll Notice even through I was driving with a tag. What do I do?

A:

Please ensure that your tag is working properly and that it is properly mounted for future trips. If you want the toll to be debited from your tag account, please provide the following information to CrossCity Motorway:

·         Tag type

·         Tag Account Number

·         Tag Number

·         Contact telephone number

With the information provided CrossCity Motorway will contact your tag issuer and request the amount payable to be charged to your electronic tag account.

Q:

I have a tag, but my tag was not mounted when I used the Cross City Tunnel. What do I do?

A:

Please ensure that your tag is working properly and that it is properly mounted for future trips. You will receive a Toll Notice for the trip made.  If you want the toll to be debited from your tag account, please provide the following information to CrossCity Motorway:

·        Tag type

·        Tag Account Number

·        Tag Number

·        Contact telephone number

With the information provided CrossCity Motorway will contact your tag issuer and request the amount payable to be charged to your electronic tag account.

Q:

What happens if I do not pay within 14 days after receiving the Final Notice?

A:

1. We may ask RTA to instruct Police Infringement Processing Bureau to issue a Penalty Notice, which occurs a fine in excess of $150.

2. Alternatively we may hand to a collection agency to collect the outstanding amount plus cost of the collection (eg Collection commission, search fees, legal fees, etc).

Q:

I received a Toll Notice and within 14 days sent you the payment slip with a cheque / money order for the toll. Why did I receive a Final Toll Notice?

A:

You are liable to pay the toll + any administration fee indicated in the Toll Notice. If you paid the toll only, you will still have to pay the deferred toll fee of $20 referred to in the second letter.

Q:

I have received a Toll Notice and would like to lodge an objection. What do I do?

A:

You may lodge an objection within 7 days from receiving the Toll Notice. CrossCity Motorway will review your objection and inform you of our decision in writing.

Q:

I have received a Toll Notice even though my vehicle was not in the Cross City Tunnel at the time indicated?

A:

You may lodge an objection within 7 days from receiving the Toll Notice. CrossCity Motorway will review your objection and inform you of our decision in writing.

Q:

I have received a Toll Notice stating that I went through Cross City Tunnel even though I was driving through the Eastern Distributor?

A:

The Eastern Distributor connects underground to the Cross CityTunnel when you head northbound from the airport and exit westbound towards DarlingHarbour. You have to pay toll both for travel on the Eastern Distributor and for travel through the Cross CityTunnel.