NSW: Government may compensate Lane Cove Tunnel owners

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2006
NSW: Government may compensate Lane Cove Tunnel owners

The NSW government has refused to say how much compensation it might have to pay operators
of the Lane Cove tunnel for any loss linked to delays on road changes.

Roads Minister ERIC ROOZENDAAL says the government may make an upfront payment .. to
avoid a repeat of the Cross-City Tunnel debacle.

The government plans to delay work on Epping Road .. including reducing the number
of general lanes .. which had been expected to cause traffic problems when the nearby
tunnel opens.

Connector Motorways chief executive IAN HUNT says the company will seek an upfront
compensation payment if the tunnel's patronage is reduced.

Opposition Leader PETER DEBNAM is calling on the government to be open with the known
consequences of changes to surface roads.

And Greens MP LEE RHIANNON says the roadworks delay is a knee-jerk reaction to reduce
controversy in the lead-up to the March 2007 state election.

AAP RTV pj/was/es/bart

KEYWORD: TUNNEL (SYDNEY)

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