When will M2 reopen...

[queequeg]

The western path between the M2 and Eaton Rd has now been cordoned off with concrete barriers placed the full length, using some of the road lane.

[ed933]

Is it just be or has the eastbound shoulder near Pennant Hills rd been swept (kinda) clean?

[queequeg]

Is it just be or has the eastbound shoulder near Pennant Hills rd been swept (kinda) clean?

It is supposedly done every two weeks. It is cleaner this week so probably got swept over the weekend.

[queequeg]

From Bike North:

Cycle access along the M2

Cycle access along the M2 motorway shoulder for the next 3 years is uncertain during NorthConnex construction. Bike North is consulting within the project on the Traffic and Transport Liaison Group but consultation does not mean agreement.

After the project is complete cyclists will be able to use bridges that cross over the tunnel portals so that we do not have to cross them. This separation was requested, but rejected, on other ramps, but will be provided for the tunnel That is the end of the good news.

During the project the M2 will be widened to three lanes between Pennant Hills Road and Windsor Road, and why they didn't do this during the last disruption is a mystery. They plan to ban cycling westbound along this section for the duration of the works. They also plan to ban cycling eastbound, even though the only disruptive works will be for few hundred metres at the tunnel portals on the Pennant Hills Road eastbound off ramp.

NorthConnex must provide alternate cycle access but their current plan (for eastbound and westbound cyclists) is to reactivate the old detour route down North Rocks Road and back up to the M2 at Old Windsor Road. This is totally unsuitable in distance, climbing height, speed and delay.

When will all this start? The plan is to exclude cyclists in August for about 3 years.

What can you do? We need you to raise cycle route issues with the NorthConnex project team, so please write a quick email in support to enquiries@northconnex.com.au. Use these suggestions or your own.

o Eastbound cyclists travelling to Epping should continue along the M2 without stopping.

o Eastbound cyclists who wish to leave at Pennant Hills Road should have a separate path constructed around the works on the northern side or southern sides.

o Westbound cyclists should leave the M2 at the last possible place (Pennant Hills Road) and rejoin at the first possible place (Windsor Road) allowing travel along the M2 for the rest of the journey.

o Any proposed Detour should have a minimum of extra distance and climbing and descending, while providing a safe alternate route.

o Westbound detour options include Renown/Barclay Road or upgrading fire trails to cross the Darling Mills Valley (similar to Browns Waterhole).

NorthConnex argue that as there are only a few cyclists not much effort is justified by them -- so we need to show how many cyclists are out there who are prepared to make a comment. The more emails we can send to NorthConnex the more notice they will take of us when we meet with them. Please find a minute to send an email right now.

[Boognoss]

I've been in touch with Doug at Bike North. The eastbound closure is contrary to what the NorthConnex info people told me. I hope I'm right! I will seek clarification and report back here and to Bike North.

[biker jk]

If you believe anything NorthConnex says, I have a harbour bridge to sell you.

[caneye]

is there anything posted on FB that we can share?

[Boognoss]

If you believe anything NorthConnex says, I have a harbour bridge to sell you.

True but two completely different lies are a new low even for them. Hoping my version is closer to the final truth.

How much for your bridge? Perhaps it can span from Windsor Rd to Pennant Hills Rd?

[vosadrian]

Hey Guys,

It has been a while since I rode the M2 getting off at Pennant Hills Rd (I got on there this morning though). Just wondering if I travel East from Bella Vista to Pennant Hills Rd, can I get off at Pennant Hills Rd? I realise the path is closed heading North up Pennant Hills Rd. I guess I can go right and South down the path on Pennant Hills Rd, and down Murray farm and up Oaks instead?

Cheers,

Adrian

[Boognoss]

Currently yes Adrian and westbound hasn't been closed yet. There's confusion between various responses about eastbound remaining open or not so time will tell there.

I use the eastern path from the M2 up to Copeland Rd (usually cross at Aiken and lately have been riding down Aiken on the way home). It's narrow and crap but I prefer it to Murray Farm Rd and Oakes.

[queequeg]

Hey Guys,

It has been a while since I rode the M2 getting off at Pennant Hills Rd (I got on there this morning though). Just wondering if I travel East from Bella Vista to Pennant Hills Rd, can I get off at Pennant Hills Rd? I realise the path is closed heading North up Pennant Hills Rd. I guess I can go right and South down the path on Pennant Hills Rd, and down Murray farm and up Oaks instead?

Cheers,

Adrian

Pretty much her same as what Boognoss said. I am coming off at PHR and heading north on the eastern path, as are most cyclists I see. Some are using the PHR Left Lane, which is doable when the traffic is at just the right density, but those B-Doubles are a worry.
Anyway, I split my rides between crossing over at Copeland to the Western Path and heading up to Castle Hill Rd, or I do the descent down Copeland and turn left up Cardinal Ave for the short and steep climb up to PHR.

[vosadrian]

Thanks guys!

[caneye]

surprise, surprise

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/hills-m2-bus- ... j0iso.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[biker jk]

surprise, surprise

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/hills-m2-bus- ... j0iso.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The project's claimed large positive net present value was based on grossly exaggerated declines in travel times. When a proper independent estimate of travel times was used the project's net present value was barely positive and well below the $100m required for projects to garner government support. A big con job.

[queequeg]

"Windsor Road and the Lane Cove Tunnel during morning and afternoon peak was now 15 minutes, the Transurban spokeswoman said."

I give you exhibit A, straight off Live Traffic, which shows what they consider a "normal" day



Have a look at those numbers and you'll see that the average speed is less than 30km/h in peak.
Remember how the upgrade was supposed to deliver free flowing traffic? It rarely happens, which is why when LiveTraffic Shows delays on the M2, you know you will be there for hours.

When the upgrade first opened, the big flashing sign before the Norfolk Tunnel used to say "Congestion Ahead". Now it says a more PC "Slow Traffic Ahead", along with an optimistic speed limit of 80km/h. It really should be flashing up a 40km/h limit, which is still more than 25% faster than the traffic is actually going.

Riding a bicycle on the M2 in these conditions is like a dream, as we whizz past all those poor suckers trapped in their steel boxes. Maybe some of them see us and get tempted to join us on a bike. I get incredulous looks when I tell people that it takes me only 50 minutes to commute from Dural to Nth Sydney on a bicycle.

[rogan]

The M2 is MUCH better eastbound in the morning peak. Westbound in the afternoon is dubious, not obviously better, although I reckon the worst days aren't as bad as the old pre-2008 days. But then westbound had three lanes for years before the upgrade, anyway, meaning any difference was always going to be hard to see.

[queequeg]

The M2 is MUCH better eastbound in the morning peak. Westbound in the afternoon is dubious, not obviously better, although I reckon the worst days aren't as bad as the old pre-2008 days. But then westbound had three lanes for years before the upgrade, anyway, meaning any difference was always going to be hard to see.

That is true, although I am commuting the M2 eastbound pretty early. I don't notice much difference eastbound compared to pre-upgrade, but I was living in Marsfield at the time and only joining at Browns Waterhole for the short ride up to Delhi Rd.
I had never been able to ride the M2 Westbound except for the short hop from Delhi are to Talavera Rd. The three lane widening ended at Beecroft Rd, and had a 70km/h limit through the tunnel as they had squeezed the extra lane in by using the shoulder and narrowing the other two lanes.

We'll see shortly with Westbound about to get another 2 years of construction adding a 3rd lane from PHR to Windsor Rd. I am expecting it to be pretty busy for 2 years.

[SheikYerbouti]

So the cycle lane is still open both ways?

[caneye]

as of today, yes

[hugh stone]

Beware - Fair bit of glass in the Westbound tunnel last night.

[Boognoss]

Beware - Fair bit of glass in the Westbound tunnel last night.

A mate of mine reported that to me yesterday morning. I think I'm immune to glass because yesterday and today I honestly didn't spot more than I would consider "the norm" on my afternoon commutes. Seems to be standard-issue debris these days. The M7 shoulder is generally a lot worse and swept less so I experience that more often.

No further/current updates on the westbound shoulder between Pennant Hills Rd and Windsors Rd that I'm aware of. I rode it in an extended commute this afternoon and it's normal still. No evidence of works.

[SheikYerbouti]

Hopefully the works are still 10+ days away, I'm planning on riding Naremburn-Plumpton return next Wed for Ride2Work Day.

[rheicel]

East bound flat last night. Flat was caused by a thin/hard wire puncture protection did not work this time!

[caneye]

you're not alone. i've had 2x punctures on the M2 in the past 6 mths, due to radial wires.
in both instances, puncture protection didn't help either (SMP & Conti 4Seasons).


BTW .. if the all-black-no-lights-too-cool M2 commuter is on this forum - pls, pls shout "PASSING!" if you want to squeeze between me and the car lanes. don't be shy. i'll be more than happy to let you through. i try to keep left as much as possible but there was a metal grate coming up and i was moving to the right when you squeezed through.

[SheikYerbouti]

Hopefully the works are still 10+ days away, I'm planning on riding Naremburn-Plumpton return next Wed for Ride2Work Day.

All went well!