Lane Cove Tunnel

What/where is it?

The Lane Cove Tunnel is a 3.6 km twin tunnel motorway under Epping Road that links the M2 Motorway at North Ryde with the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon.

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 Why use it?

The Lane Cove Tunnel delivers a number of benefits:

  • Quicker travel times between the north-west and the city
  • Electronic tolling that avoids cash booths
  • Bypass of five sets of traffic lights, both east- and westbound, along Epping Road
  • Substantially improved local air quality by reduced traffic volumes on Epping Road
  • A direct link to Sydney's expanding orbital motorway network.

The tunnel also delivers fringe benefits:

  • Reduced traffic on Epping Road/Longueville Road and Mowbray Road West
  • Better facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, including a continuous cycleway from Wicks Road, North Ryde to Naremburn
  • Environmental benefits.

How much does it cost?

For Lane Cove Tunnel toll prices, see Tolling.

How do I pay?

The tunnel uses a free-flow, fully electronic toll collection system.

The system accepts all electronic tags and Sydney-based passes.

There will be an administration charge in addition to the toll if you do not use an electronic tag when driving through the tunnel. This is the same arrangement as all other tollroads in Sydney.

Motorists without tags can use the tunnel by purchasing a Roam Express e-PASS. 

All Sydney-based passes can be used in the Lane Cove Tunnel.

For information on purchasing a tag/pass, see Tolling.

Using the tunnel – safe driving tips

To check traffic conditions call 132 701 (24 hours).

To report traffic incidents in the Lane Cove Tunnel call 133 111 (24 hours) and say ‘emergency’ when prompted.

Click Here to download a copy of RTA’s ‘Safety in Sydney’s Major Road Tunnels’ brochure.

Major tunnel safety features
The Lane Cove Tunnel has the following safety features:

  • 24-hour monitoring via closed circuit television (CCT) cameras
  • Incident response teams on stand-by
  • Emergency broadcasts through your vehicle’s radio or a public address system
  • Electronic message boards to deliver important safety messages
  • Identified emergency exits
  • Flashing strobe lights to guide you to emergency exits
  • Fire extinguishers and emergency phones located at least every 60 metres
  • Overhead deluge water system for use in a fire
  • Emergency barriers at tunnel entry points to stop vehicles from driving into hazardous situations
  • Breakdown bays at regular intervals along the tunnel.

Tips for driving in Sydney’s tunnels

  • Always leave your car radio on.
  • Take your sunglasses off (unless they are prescription glasses).
  • Always check electronic message boards where available.
  • Avoid changing lanes.
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
  • Turn headlights on.

Tunnel signage

Lane usage lights (above each lane):

  • Red cross means ‘Lane is closed’.
  • Amber flashing light means ‘Proceed with caution’.
  • Green arrow means ‘Lane is open’.

Variable speed limit signs

  • Digital message boards (hanging from the ceiling of the tunnel)
  • Emergency exit
  • Help point.

If your vehicle breaks down or you crash in the tunnel

  • If you suspect your vehicle is malfunctioning do not enter the tunnel.
  • If possible, drive out of the tunnel. If not possible, pull into a breakdown bay or pull over to the side of the lane.
  • Stay in your vehicle unless otherwise advised.
  • Switch on your hazard lights.
  • Wait for help to arrive.
  • You will be monitored by cameras in the tunnel and we will send assistance to tow your vehicle. The tunnel control room will contact emergency services if necessary.  (Don’t call the NRMA.)
  • If you need to call for help, it is preferable for you to use the tunnel’s emergency telephones, as they will automatically identify your precise location in the tunnel.
  • CAUTION – before you get out of your vehicle, check for approaching traffic.

Do you need to close your vehicle’s windows while travelling in the tunnel?

  • Sydney’s tunnels are required to meet air quality standards set by the Planning Minister’s Conditions of Approval to protect public health.
  • However, NSW Health advises that closing your windows and switching your vehicle ventilation to re-circulate will further reduce your exposure to vehicle emissions. These benefits can be achieved whether or not your air conditioning system is in use.
  • What if you have asthma?
  • Some people, those with asthma in particular, are sensitive to air pollution. To reduce exposure to vehicle emissions in peak periods, close your windows and switch your vehicle ventilation to re-circulate.
  • If you would like more information on the effects of air pollution on asthma, contact NSW Health on 02 9816 0234 or the Asthma Foundation of NSW on 1800 645 130.

If your vehicle catches fire in the tunnel

  • If possible, drive out of the tunnel. If not possible, stop your vehicle, preferably in a breakdown bay, or pull over to the side of the lane and turn off the engine.
  • CAUTION – before you get out of your vehicle, check for approaching traffic.
  • What if you cannot extinguish the fire?
  •  Use an emergency phone located on the wall of the tunnel to contact the tunnel control room.
  • Follow their instructions or, if in doubt, leave via the nearest available emergency or tunnel exit.
  • If you need assistance, put your hazard lights on and ask for assistance from others.
  • NOTE – an overhead water deluge system may operate in the event of a fire, and you may get wet.
  • CAUTION – do not drive through an operating water deluge.

If you see smoke coming from the tunnel or you are warned of a fire in the tunnel

  • Do not enter. Stop outside the tunnel.
  • Wait for instructions from tunnel personnel, emergency services or the police.

If you see fire or smoke in the tunnel

  • Turn on your radio.
  • Follow any instructions provided via the radio, electronic message boards, tunnel personnel, emergency services or the police.
  • If instructed to evacuate:
  • Stop your vehicle and turn the engine off.
  • Move away from any smoke or fire and leave via the nearest available emergency or tunnel exit.
  • If instructed to evacuate the tunnel and you need assistance, put your hazard lights on and ask for assistance from others.
  • CAUTION – do not stay in your vehicle once instructed to evacuate.
  • CAUTION – the emergency exit door may lead to an area of moving traffic.
  • What if you are caught in traffic?
  • Turn on your radio –broadcasts may be transmitted and will cut into your normal station.
  • If instructed, turn off your engine. Idling for extended periods produces higher levels of pollutants.
  • Vehicle emission levels are monitored continuously in Sydney’s major tunnels, and tunnel operators ventilate the tunnel to air quality standards set by the Minister for Planning.

Over-height vehicles – height limits

  • Sydney’s major tunnels are 4.4 metres high, except for the M5 East Main Tunnel, which is 4.6 metres high.

Dangerous goods vehicles – restrictions 

  • Placarded dangerous goods vehicles are prohibited from travelling in Sydney's tunnels.
  • Ensure your load is secure, particularly in open tray vehicles.
  • Spilled loads are extremely dangerous inside the tunnel and could result in traffic incidents.
  • Spilled paint tins, jerry cans or other substances will enter the tunnels' drainage system and cause pollution.

For furher information on Tunnel Safety  Click Here to visit the relevent pages on the NSW RTA web
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Air Quality