The RTA selected a non-conforming 'Long 80' bid from CCM because it 'clearly represents better value for money than the proposals submitted by other Proponents'.
The 'Long 80' proposal was for a longer and deeper tunnel than the approved EIS design. It could be built without digging up William Street. This avoided the expected major disruption to traffic, business and the community during the three-year construction period. The 'Long 80' design also allowed a vehicle speed of 80 kilometres per hour (km/h), hence its name.
In addition the proposal provided the best financial outcome for the Government with an upfront payment offer to the RTA of $100.1 million.
The 'Long 80' design (see Exhibit 1.1C) differed from the approved EIS design in the following ways:
■ increased tunnel length from 1.8 km to 2.1 km
■ increased tunnel depth allowed 80 km/h travelling speed
■ changes to the horizontal and vertical alignment
■ changes to the connection to the Market Street viaduct
■ changes to the connection to the Eastern Distributor and associated access changes to William and Palmer Streets
■ new ramp connection from Ward Avenue providing access to Nield Avenue
■ reduction of the Kings Cross land bridge from 30 metres to 6 metres
■ changes to traffic connections in Woolloomooloo, including loss of direct access from Cowper Wharf Roadway to the Domain Tunnel.