View source for Eastern Distributor

{{Short description|Motorway in Sydney, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox Australian road
| road_name    = Eastern Distributor
| logo         = Eastern Distributor logo.PNG
| type         = motorway
| urban        = yes
| state        = nsw
| image        = Eastern Distributor tunnel.jpg
| caption      = Tunnel entrance at [[Woolloomooloo]]
| est          = December 1999
| length       = 4.7
| length_ref   = <ref name="gmaps">{{google maps |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/-33.8687371,151.2184735/-33.9103935,151.2130878/@-33.8881501,151.2003276,13.82z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0 |title=Eastern Distributor |access-date=25 August 2021 }}</ref>
| gazetted     = July 1997
| gazetted_ref = <ref name="nswgovgaz97">{{cite news |title=Roads Act 1993 |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231977207 |work=Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales |issue=73 |publisher=National Library of Australia |date=4 July 1997 |pages=5356 |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222020304/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231977207 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| route        = {{AUshield|NSW|M1}} M1 {{small|(2013–present)}}
| former       = {{AUshield|Met|1}} Metroad 1 {{small|(1999–2013)}}
| mapframe     = no
| coordinates_a = {{coord|-33.868791|151.218460|type:landmark_region:AU-NSW|display=inline}}
| coordinates_b = {{coord|-33.910362|151.213003|type:landmark_region:AU-NSW|display=inline}}
| alternative_location_map=Australia Sydney
| pushpin_label_position_a = top
| pushpin_label_position_b = bottom
| direction_a  = North
| direction_b  = South
| end_a        = {{AUshield|NSW|M1}} '''[[Cahill Expressway]]'''<br />{{small|[[Woolloomooloo|Woolloomooloo, Sydney]]}}
| end_b        = {{AUshield|NSW|M1}} '''[[Southern Cross Drive]]'''<br />{{small|[[Kensington, New South Wales|Kensington, Sydney]]}}
| exits        = {{plainlist|
*[[William Street, Sydney|William Street]]
*[[Anzac Parade, Sydney|Anzac Parade]]
*[[Cross City Tunnel]]}}
}}

The '''Eastern Distributor''' is a {{convert|4.7|km|mi|1|adj=mid|-long}}<ref name="gmaps" /> [[motorway]] in [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia. Part of the [[Highway 1 (New South Wales)|M1]] and the [[Sydney Orbital Network]], the motorway links the [[Sydney central business district]] with the south-east<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.linkt.com.au/using-toll-roads/about-sydney-toll-roads/eastern-distributor/sydney | title=Eastern Distributor - Linkt }}</ref> and [[Sydney Airport]]. The Eastern Distributor separates Sydney's [[Eastern Suburbs (Sydney)|Eastern Suburbs]] from Sydney's [[Southern Sydney|Inner-Southern Suburbs]]. The centre-piece is a {{convert|1.7|km|mi|1|adj=on|abbr=on}} tunnel running from [[Woolloomooloo]] to [[Surry Hills]]. Built as a [[Build-operate-transfer|build-own-operate-transfer]] project, it is 75.1% owned by [[Transurban]].

The motorway opened to traffic in December 1999, with the project fully completed in July 2000. It is only tolled in the northbound direction.

Transurban considers the southern end of [[Cahill Expressway]] (including the Domain Tunnel) to be part of the Eastern Distributor, and denotes the latter to have a total length of {{convert|6|km|mi|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linkt.com.au/using-toll-roads/about-sydney-toll-roads/eastern-distributor/sydney|title=Eastern Distributor|website=Linkt|access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref> The length of {{convert|4.7|km|mi|1}} used in this article refers to the length of the motorway constructed in the 1990s between the southern end of Cahill Expressway (Cowper Wharf Road) and the northern end of Southern Cross Drive (Link Road).

==Route==
[[File:Eastern Distributor Moore Park.JPG|thumb|left|Eastern Distributor trench section within South Dowling Street at [[Moore Park, New South Wales|Moore Park]], just after the main tunnel.]]
The Eastern Distributor commences at the southern end of [[Cahill Expressway]] and the interchange with Cowper Wharf Road in [[Woolloomooloo]] and heads in a southerly direction as a dual-carriageway six-lane surface road, before entering piggyback tunnels shortly afterwards under the suburbs of Woolloomooloo and [[Darlinghurst, New South Wales|Darlinghurst]], with a subterranean interchange with the [[Cross City Tunnel]] for direct connections to the [[Western Distributor (Sydney)|Western Distributor]]. After returning to the surface in [[Moore Park, New South Wales|Moore Park]], it continues south in a trench inside South Dowling Street, before ending at the interchange with Link Road and continuing south as [[Southern Cross Drive]].

===Design===
The project's centrepiece is the {{convert|1.7|km|mi|1|adj=on}} piggyback tunnel under one of Australia's most densely populated urban areas, necessitated due to the requirement of three lanes in each direction within the existing roadway corridor.<ref name="hkie">{{cite web|last1=Lai |first1=Steven |last2=Wong |first2=Dee |last3=Wu |first3=Dicken |date=9 April 2009 |title=Fire and life safety designs for road tunnels in Asia |url=http://fe.hkie.org.hk/DocDown.aspx?imgDoc=1_Proceedings+(final+version).pdf |publisher=Fire Division, [[Hong Kong Institution of Engineers]] |pages=23–24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129152531/http://fe.hkie.org.hk/DocDown.aspx?imgDoc=1_Proceedings+(final+version).pdf |archive-date=29 January 2016 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The unique double-deck, three lanes per direction design comprises a large, single tunnel excavation. At mid-height through the excavation, a precast concrete ledge forms the base of the northbound tunnel, with the southbound tunnel slotting below. As a result, only one tunnel roof was created with the lower southbound carriageway built in a slot. According to the [[Australasian Tunnelling Society]], no records are available of any piggyback tunnel (rail or road) where the upper carriageway has been carried on prestressed concrete planks resting on sidewall ledges. In the main tunnel there is a central length of {{convert|0.5|km|mi|1}} where the span is typically greater than {{convert|17|m|ft|0}}, and of note, there is no record of any road tunnel with spans greater than this where permanent roof support comprises rockbolts and shotcrete only and with vertical unsupported sidewalls of rock.<ref name = "Australasian Tunnelling Society"/>

At the time it was built, the tunnel's claim to fame was that at {{convert|24.5|m|ft|0}} across at its widest point, it was the widest tunnel in the world.<ref name="ED history"/> This point occurs where the William Street on ramp tunnel merges with the main tunnel.<ref name = "Australasian Tunnelling Society"/> At {{convert|14|m|ft|0}}, the tunnel is also notably tall (from the ceiling to the floor).<ref name = "Jewell, Merrick (2003)"/><ref name="ED history"/>

The tunnels of the Eastern Distributor are fully equipped with lighting, ventilation, drainage, [[CCTV]] surveillance, fire fighting and emergency control systems.<ref name = "Australasian Tunnelling Society"/>

==History==
===County of Cumberland planning scheme===
{{main|County of Cumberland planning scheme}}
The need for an Eastern Distributor was first discussed in the early 1950s in the [[County of Cumberland planning scheme]].<ref>[https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229622419 £10 mil road plan to speed Sydney traffic] ''[[The Sun (Sydney)|The Sun]]'' 19 July 1950 page 12</ref>

Underpasses of the Eastern Distributor beneath William Street and Taylor Street were proposed to commence construction in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/65/8c/67/fe/85/52/47/c2/a4/22/15/1c/3b/41/c5/93/obj/DMR_1972_73.pdf|title=Annual Report 1972–73|website=OpenGov NSW|publisher=Department of Main Roads New South Wales|page=11|date=1973|access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref> The construction never eventuated.

===1984 scheme===
In 1984, the [[Department of Main Roads (New South Wales)|Department of Main Roads]] proposed construction of the Eastern Distributor as a surface freeway with underpasses at William Street and Oxford Street. It was later redesigned into a tunnel from north of William Street to the intersections of South Dowling Street, Moore Park Road and Anzac Parade. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared on 1985 to be built in three stages:<ref name=audit>{{cite web |url=https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/pdf-downloads/1997_Jul_Report_Review_of_Eastern_Distributor.pdf |title=NSW Audit Office - Performance Reports – 1997 – Review of Eastern Distributor |date=July 1997 |website=NSW Audit Office |access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref><ref name=f7>{{cite web |url=https://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/Freeways/F7/history.htm |title=Cahill Expressway/Eastern Distributor/Eastern Freeway: History and Development |website=Ozroads |access-date=24 August 2021}}{{self-published source|date=February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/ff/8a/8e/06/84/0d/42/62/b8/db/c8/3f/cb/a6/cb/57/obj/Eastern_Distributor_preferred_scheme.pdf |title=The Eastern Distributor – Preferred Scheme |website=OpenGov NSW |publisher=New South Wales Department of Main Roads |date=1985 |access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/c2/ab/81/f3/75/be/4a/69/91/fc/97/5b/47/0b/04/84/obj/165159.pdf |title=Eastern Distributor – Environmental Impact Statement Report |publisher=New South Wales Department of Main Roads |date=November 1985 |access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref>
* Stage 1: A southbound tunnel underpass under [[William Street, Sydney|William Street]] (William Street underpass) and a roundabout at the Riley Street / Sir John Young Crescent intersection, scheduled for completion in 1988
* Stage 2: Southbound tunnel for the full length and a reconfigured Cahill Expressway intersection with Sir John Young Crescent. Bourke Street and Palmer Street including the William Street underpass would also be reversed for northbound travel. Stage 2 was scheduled for completion in 1990
* Stage 3: Northbound tunnel from Flinders Street connecting directly to the William Street underpass, scheduled for completion in 1992
The William Street underpass (Stage 1) opened in November 1987 and connected [[Cahill Expressway]] and Palmer Street to Bourke Street. The underpass allowed southbound traffic from Cahill Expressway to avoid intersecting William Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressway.online/library/nsw/pdfs/eastern_dist_stage_1_william_st_underpass_dmr_1987.pdf|title=The Eastern Distributor Stage 1 – William Street Underpass|website=Expressway.online|publisher=New South Wales Department of Main Roads|access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref> The rest of the 1984 scheme was abandoned and not constructed due to escalating costs. The William Street underpass would eventually be closed twelve years later after the main Eastern Distributor tunnels opened to traffic in December 1999, to be reconstructed to form part of the Bourke Street on-ramp which opened seven months later.

===1994 scheme===
The completion of the [[Sydney Harbour Tunnel]] in 1992 resulted in an increase in volumes on Cahill Expressway and therefore an increased need for an inner-city bypass south and south-east of the expressway. [[Roads & Traffic Authority]] (RTA) undertook community consultation to gauge the level of community acceptance of construction of the Eastern Distributor as a toll road. With indications of a high level of community support, the Eastern Distributor project was revived by the [[Government of New South Wales|New South Wales state government]] in 1994, based on the 1984 scheme. The Eastern Distributor would link the [[Sydney central business district]] with [[Sydney Airport]] via the already existing [[Southern Cross Drive]] (freeway), which would be widened.<ref name="Jewell, Merrick (2003)">{{cite journal |last1=Jewell |first1=Chris |last2=Merrick |first2=Noel |year=2003 |title=Modelling of the groundwater impact of a sunken urban motorway in Sydney, Australia |url=http://www.rmz-mg.com/letniki/rmz50/rmz50_0229-0232.pdf |journal=RMZ – Materials and Geoenvironment |volume=50 |number=1 |page=229 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091519/http://www.rmz-mg.com/letniki/rmz50/rmz50_0229-0232.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> It was designed to ease congestion and to reduce the time to travel from the city to the airport by bypassing 19 traffic lights.<ref name = "Jewell, Merrick (2003)"/><ref name=afr_aug1996/> A study commissioned by the State Chamber of Commerce in 1997 found that the "Eastern Distributor would prevent 330 accidents a year and cut fuel consumption by 1.2 million litres annually".<ref name="ED history"/>

====Tender process====
In May 1994, the state government gave approval for RTA to invite the private sector to tender to construct and operate the tollway under a [[Build-operate-transfer|build-own-operate-transfer]] arrangement. In February and March 1995, three proponents were invited to develop detailed proposals. RTA later requested the proponents to submit revised offers based on a concession term of 38 years, as "a term of 45 years would be unacceptable to the community" and the 38 year term had already been set as a precedent by the [[M2 Hills Motorway|M2 Motorway]].<ref name=audit/>

The Labor state opposition promised that if elected, the Eastern Distributor would be toll-free.<ref name=f7/> When Labor was elected as government in [[1995 New South Wales state election|March 1995]], the formal tender process had already commenced, and the new government had to proceed with constructing the Eastern Distributor as a tollway.<ref name=audit/> In November 1995, the government agreed with RTA's recommendation to appoint Airport Motorway Limited (AML) as the successful proponent, with the government providing planning, support and management during construction.<ref name=audit/> The other two unsuccessful proponents were [[Baulderstone Hornibrook]] and [[Transfield Holdings|Transfield]].<ref name=audit/>

The [[Keating government|Keating federal government]] announced on 15 December 1995 that it intended to withdraw taxation concessions on infrastructure bonds for urban road projects, "effective immediately".<ref name=rta1996>{{cite web|url=https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/80/25/02/73/b8/e1/48/1e/ac/ed/74/8c/fd/fd/34/7c/obj/RTA_1995_96.pdf|title=Annual Report 1996|website=OpenGov NSW|publisher=Roads and Traffic Authority New South Wales|page=56|date=October 1996|access-date=26 August 2021}}</ref> In a response letter written to the [[Treasurer of Australia|federal treasurer]] [[Ralph Willis]] in January 1996, the [[Treasurer of New South Wales|state treasurer]] [[Michael Egan (Australian politician)|Michael Egan]] highlighted that the policy would impact the [[M5 Motorway (Sydney)#M5 East|M5 East]] and Eastern Distributor projects, and estimated that the policy would result in an "increase the cost of the Eastern Distributor project by between $70 million and $90 million".<ref name=audit/> As a result, the announcement was "sufficient to halt the progress of the Eastern Distributor project" and the appointment of AML as the successful proponent was not formally endorsed. The policy was not enacted into legislation by the Keating government prior to the [[1996 Australian federal election|March 1996 federal election]]. The newly-elected [[Howard government]] reversed the policy in June 1996 and confirmed that the Eastern Distributor has been certified as "an urban road project which may utilise infrastructure bonds for financing purposes".<ref name=audit/><ref name=rta1996/>

Following the reversal of the federal government policy, on 13 August 1996 the appointment of AML as the successful proponent and the decision to proceed with the project was formally announced.<ref name=afr_aug1996>{{cite web|last1=Ries|first1=Ivor|url=https://www.afr.com/opinion/carrs-tollway-turnaround-19960814-k72l8|title=Carr's tollway turnaround|publisher=Australian Financial Review|date=14 August 1996|access-date=26 August 2021}}</ref><ref>City Tollway ''[[Fleetline (periodical)|Fleetline]]'' issue 244 September 1996 page 163</ref><ref name = "Jewell, Merrick (2003)"/> The agreement was signed in 1997, and under the concession agreement, AML would own and operate the tollway for 38 years after full opening.<ref name=rta1997/><ref name=audit/>

====Planning====
In 1994, RTA decided to delay the EIS until after the selection of the preferred proponent, explaining that if an EIS was prepared then (1994), then "it is unlikely to
contain the most innovative solutions to construction and environmental issues and could require a further EIS being required before work could commence". However, there would be a risk that substantial changes to the EIS would risk a new tender.<ref name=audit/>

The EIS for the Eastern Distributor was eventually exhibited in November to December 1996. 2,762 submissions were received during the exhibition period. RTA proposed significant modifications in April 1997, which included:<ref name=jun1997>{{cite web|url=https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/83/5a/10/10/4f/6d/4f/90/85/05/30/82/a3/bd/72/7e/obj/166807.pdf|title=Proposed Eastern Distributor: Cahill Expressway to Mill Pond Road: volume 1: environmental impact assessment|website=OpenGov NSW|publisher=Department of Urban Affairs and Planning|date=2 June 1997|access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref>
* a landscaped canopy over the northern end of the motorway (where it meets Cahill Expressway) near the [[Art Gallery of New South Wales|Art Gallery]]
* relocation of the northern tunnel portal north of Cathedral Street
* lowering of the motorway in a trench between South Dowling Street (known as the "Parkway scheme")

Due to the substantial modifications, RTA sought advice from the [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (New South Wales)|Independent Commission Against Corruption]] (ICAC) on whether a new tender was required; ICAC later advised that it was not required. The proposed modifications increased project costs by {{AUD|132 million}}. As a result, the concession period was increased from 38 to 48 years, and the opening toll price was also increased from {{AUD|2.50}} to {{AUD|3.00}}.<ref name=audit/><ref name="ED history"/>

The New South Wales Audit Office undertook a performance audit of the proposed tollway and tabled its report in Parliament on 28 May 1997, with the report finalised in July 1997.<ref name=audit/> A planning assessment report by the Director-General of Department of Urban Affairs and Planning was published on 2 June 1997,<ref name=jun1997/> and the project was approved by the [[Minister for Planning (New South Wales)|Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning]] on 26 June 1997, subject to 151 conditions.<ref name=f7/><ref name=rta1997>{{cite web|url=https://media.opengov.nsw.gov.au/pairtree_root/c2/8d/24/c9/3e/d6/40/a6/b8/1e/e8/b3/7e/4e/20/bf/obj/RTA_1996_97.pdf|title=Roads and Traffic Authority Annual Report 1996-97|website=OpenGov NSW|publisher=Roads and Traffic Authority|page=79,92|date=30 October 1997|access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=East link go-ahead|publisher=Daily Telegraph|date=28 June 1997|page=4}}</ref> Actual construction started soon after in August 1997.

The passing of the ''Roads Act of 1993''<ref>[https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1993-033 State of New South Wales, ''An Act to make provision with respect to the roads of New South Wales; to repeal the State Roads Act 1986, the Crown and Other Roads Act 1990 and certain other enactments; and for other purposes.''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811000905/http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/num_act/mra1924n24133/ |date=11 August 2022 }} 10 November 1924</ref> updated road classifications and the way they could be declared within New South Wales. Under this act, the [[Roads & Traffic Authority]] (later [[Transport for NSW]]) declared the Eastern Distributor as Tollway 6007, from its interchange with Cahill Expressway and Cowper Wharf Road in [[Woolloomooloo]] (with an off-ramp just outside Hospital Road) to the interchange with Southern Cross Drive and Link Road in [[Kensington, New South Wales|Kensington]], on 4 July 1997, just before it started construction and 2.5 years before it had officially opened;<ref name="nswgovgaz97" /> the tollway today still retains this declaration.<ref name="nswroadsched">{{cite web |url=https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/lgr/documents/classified-roads-schedule.pdf |title=Schedule of Classified Roads and Unclassified Regional Roads |author=[[Transport for NSW]] |date=August 2022 |publisher=Government of New South Wales |access-date=1 August 2022 |archive-date=25 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825104657/https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/partners-suppliers/lgr/documents/classified-roads-schedule.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Construction====
Construction using 5,000 workers was undertaken by [[CIMIC Group|Leighton Contractors]], who was a shareholder of Airport Motorway Limited.<ref name = "Jewell, Merrick (2003)"/> Two separate tunnel subcontractors began excavating the northbound tunnel in January 1998, working at either end of the tunnel at Surry Hills and Woolloomooloo.<ref name="ED history">{{cite web|url=http://www.easterndistributor.com/history/index.asp|title=History|website=Eastern Distributor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020425091649/http://www.easterndistributor.com/history/index.asp|archive-date=25 April 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref> Seven roadheaders were utilised for the tunnel boring, with the rock ceiling then reinforced with [[rock bolt]]s and [[shotcrete]].<ref name="Australasian Tunnelling Society">{{cite web |title=Eastern Distributor, Sydney |url=http://www.ats.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=163&Itemid=4 |publisher=Australasian Tunnelling Society |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110216185619/http://www.ats.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=163&Itemid=4 |archive-date=16 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 4 December 1998, the two teams were shaking hands in the middle, {{convert|30|m|ft|-1}} beneath [[Taylor Square, Sydney|Taylor Square]]. By March 1999, all digging had been completed, after {{convert|400000|m3|cuyd|-4}} of soil, largely [[Sydney sandstone]] was removed, equal to 40,000 truckloads.<ref name="ED history"/>

At a cost of $730 million,<ref name="Jewell, Merrick (2003)"/> the motorway was opened on 19 December 1999, except for the William Street on- and off-ramps which were opened on 23 July 2000, just in time for the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Eastern Distributor Construction Homes Damage |url=http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC20010911101 |publisher=[[Parliament of New South Wales]] |date=11 September 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120151/http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC20010911101 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> As part of the agreement which defined the 48 years of concession period, the motorway will be due to revert to government ownership on 23 July 2048.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eastern Distributor |url=http://sydneymotorways.com/easterndistributor.html |publisher=[[Roads and Maritime Services]]  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625031516/http://sydneymotorways.com/easterndistributor.html |archive-date=25 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After opening, a number of changes were made to surface streets:<ref name=f7/>
* Crown Street was converted from one-way northbound to two-way
* Bourke Street was converted from one-way southbound to two-way traffic (south of William Street), closed off at Taylor Square, and closed off to northbound traffic just north of the southbound Eastern Distributor on-ramp
* Palmer Street was converted from one-way southbound to two-way traffic (north of William Street)
* Campbell Street was closed off at Taylor Square

===Post-opening===
Soon after opening, southbound motorists were found to be entering the Eastern Distributor from the Cross City Tunnel access point and immediately attempting to cross three lanes for the Anzac Parade off-ramp on the other side of the carriageway. Permanent traffic obstacles were subsequently installed and users are now referred to the Lachlan Street/Dacey Avenue exit, or as through traffic towards [[Sydney Airport]].

Toll booths initially operated at toll points along the Eastern Distributor. With the progressive introduction of [[Electronic toll collection|electronic tolls]], these were replaced by readers on a [[Gantry (road sign)|gantry]] in 2012 and demolished.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-harbour-bridge-s-last-toll-booths-to-be-removed-20200615-p552sj.html/|title=Sydney Harbour Bridge's last toll booths to be removed|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=15 June 2020 |access-date=14 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fordcivil.com.au/project/eastern-distributor-toll-plaza/|title=Eastern Distributor Toll Plaza|website=Ford Civil|access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref>

Eastern Distributor was allocated part of Metroad 1 on its opening in 1999. With the conversion to the newer alphanumeric system in 2013, this was replaced with route M1.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/using-roads/alpha-numeric/sydney-factsheet.pdf |title=Road number and name changes in Sydney |website=Roads and Maritime Services |publisher=Transport for NSW - Roads and Maritime |date=2013 |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401053404/http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/using-roads/alpha-numeric/sydney-factsheet.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2017, the northbound off-ramp exit onto South Dowling Street towards Cleveland Street was closed off for 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, on a six-month trial (initially three months).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/about/news-events/news/roads-and-maritime/2017/170703-trial-full-closure-of-eastern-distibutor-off-ramp.html|title=Trial full closure of Eastern Distributor off ramp at Cleveland Street|publisher=Transport for NSW - Roads and Waterways|date=3 July 2017|access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref> Prior to the closure, the exit was the last northbound exit before toll and was closed during morning and afternoon peaks. Vehicles would regularly queue at the South Dowling Street/Cleveland Street intersection and spill back onto the motorway via the exit. The trial closure saw significant improvements to traffic congestion along both South Dowling Street and the Eastern Distributor, and increase in speeds on both roads.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linkt.com.au/content/dam/linkt/sydney/pdf/TL009_Cleveland_Street_Ramp_Closure_Trial_Updated.pdf|title=Cleveland Street Off Ramp Closure Trial - An interim update of the trial closure 24 hours a day 7 days per week|website=Linkt|access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.transurban.com/news/cleveland-street-off-ramp|title=Saving travel times in the heart of Sydney|publisher=Transurban|date=5 February 2018|access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref> Following the successful trial, the exit was permanently closed in February 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadsafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/0041-transurban.pdf|title=Inquiry into progress under the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 - Transurban submission|website=National Road Safety Strategy|publisher=Transurban|date=March 2018|page=9|access-date=25 August 2021}}</ref>

==Tolls==
===Ownership===
The Eastern Distributor is owned and operated by Airport Motorway Limited (AML), which is 75.1% owned by [[Transurban]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/transurban-turnover-rises-as-traffic-grows-20120112-1pw33.html |title=Transurban turnover rises as traffic grows |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113201942/http://www.smh.com.au/business/transurban-turnover-rises-as-traffic-grows-20120112-1pw33.html |archive-date=13 January 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The remaining shareholders are [[IFM Investors|Industry Funds Management]] (14.37%) and [[UniSuper]] (10.53%).<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Li|first1=Zheng|last2=Hensher|first2=David|date=September 2010|title=Toll Roads in Australia: An Overview of Characteristics and Accuracy of Demand Forecasts|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230717203|doi=10.1080/01441640903211173 |journal=Transport Reviews|volume=30|issue=5|pages=541–569|s2cid=153484704|access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.transurban.com/content/dam/transurban-pdfs/02/news/transurban-submission-inquiry-tolling-regimes.pdf|title=NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into Road Tolling Regimes Portfolio Committee No 6 Transport and Customer Service|publisher=Transurban|page=10|date=23 May 2021|access-date=23 October 2021}}</ref>

When AML was incorporated, [[CIMIC Group|Leighton Group]] held 11% of AML, with [[Atlas Arteria|Macquarie Infrastructure Group]] being the holder of the balance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tunneltalk.com/Australia-Feb1999-Eastern-Distributor.php|title=Eastern Distributor to ease Sydney city congestion|website=TunnelTalk|date=February 1999|access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/C/ASX_CIM_2000.pdf|title=Leighton Group Concise Annual Report|publisher=Leighton Group|date=2000}}</ref> Leighton sold its stake to Macquarie Infrastructure in 2000. By 2005, Macquarie Infrastructure Group held 71.35% of AML.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/money/macquarie-hits-the-road-running-20050208-gdknct.html|title=Macquarie hits the road running|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 February 2005}}</ref> Macquarie Infrastructure Group spun off Sydney Roads Group including its stake in AML in July 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/transurban-takeover-gets-green-light-20070308-15y.html|title=Transurban takeover gets green light|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|date=8 March 2007}}</ref> Sydney Roads Group was sold to [[Transurban]] in April 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/transurban-finalises-sydney-roads-takover/news-story/d79081e263af2ff8048f1fad9fcfe19a|title=Transurban finalises Sydney Roads takover|publisher=The Australian|date=27 April 2007|access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref> In September 2007, Transurban further acquired a 3.75% stake in AML, increasing its stake to 75.1% stake which it held to this day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20080827/pdf/31bxrl10fz2y5n.pdf|title=Transurban Group Appendix 4E Year ended 30 June 2008|website=ASX|publisher=Transurban|date=2008|access-date=14 October 2021}}</ref>

===Toll prices===
The Eastern Distributor is tolled in the northbound direction only for all traffic that use the main tunnel (Surry Hills/Moore Park to Woolloomooloo). There are two toll points on the Eastern Distributor: one at the northern end of the motorway and one at the William Street/Cross City Tunnel exit. Northbound vehicles along Eastern Distributor are charged the same toll price in either toll point.

At the time of opening, the toll price for light vehicles (cars and motorcycles) was {{AUD|3.00}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sydneys-great-toll-rort/news-story/9d80a647764c86a3c774c5ca3015a1a9|title=Sydney's great toll rort|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 October 2009}}</ref> In April 2003, the toll price for heavy vehicles (trucks and buses) was {{AUD|7.50}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/eastern-distributor-toll-to-rise-20030417-gdgm5p.html|title=Eastern Distributor toll to rise|publisher=Sydney Morning Herald|date=17 April 2003}}</ref>

{{hatnote|This table is an excerpt from [[:Toll roads in Australia|Toll roads in Australia]]}}
{{#section:Toll roads in Australia|header}}
{{#section:Toll roads in Australia|ed}}
{{#section:Toll roads in Australia|footer}}

== Exits and interchanges ==
{{AUSinttop|length_ref=<ref name="gmaps" />}}
{{NSWint
|LGAC=Sydney
|LGAspan=17
|location_special=[[Sydney central business district|Sydney CBD]]
|type=trans
|km=0.0
|road={{AUshield|NSW|M1}} [[Cahill Expressway]] (M1){{NSWcity|p=on|North Sydney|Newcastle}}
|notes=Northern terminus of road, route M1 continues north along Cahill Expressway
}}
{{NSWint
|location=Woolloomooloo
|lspan=4
|type=etc
|km=0.1
|bridge=Toll point (for northbound traffic only)
}}
{{NSWint
|type=incomplete
|km=0.2
|road=Cathedral Street (east){{NSWcity|p=on|Woolloomooloo}}<br />Palmer Street (south), to [[William Street, Sydney|William Street]] (east){{NSWcity|p=on|Kings Cross|Double Bay|Woollahra}}
|notes=Southbound exit only
}}
{{NSWint
|km=0.3
|bridge=''[[Eastern Suburbs railway line]]''
}}
{{NSWint
|km=0.4
|tunnel=Northern end of tunnel
}}
{{NSWint
|location=Darlinghurst
|type=incomplete
|lspan=6
|km=1.2
|road=[[Anzac Parade, Sydney|Anzac Parade]] (south){{NSWcity|p=on|Randwick|La Perouse}}<br />Moore Park Road (east){{NSWcity|p=on|Woollahra|Bondi Junction}}
|notes=Southbound exit only
}}
{{NSWint
|type=incomplete
|km=1.3
|uspan=2
|road=Bourke Street{{NSWcity|p=on|Woolloomooloo}}
|notes=Southbound entrance only
}}
{{NSWint
|type=etc
|km=none
|road=[[Cross City Tunnel]] (eastbound){{NSWcity|p=on|Woolloomooloo}}
|notes=Southbound entrance only
}}
{{NSWint
|km=1.6
|type=incomplete
|road=[[Anzac Parade, Sydney|Anzac Parade]] (north){{NSWcity|p=on|Moore Park}}<br />Moore Park Road (west){{NSWcity|p=on|Paddington}}
|notes=Northbound entrance only
}}
{{NSWint
|type=etc
|km=1.65
|uspan=2
|road=[[William Street, Sydney|William Street]]{{NSWcity|p=on|Kings Cross}}, [[Sydney central business district|Sydney CBD]]<br />Palmer Street{{NSWcity|p=on|Woolloomooloo}}
|notes=Northbound exit only, toll point at exit
|nspan=2
}}
{{NSWint
|type=etc
|km=none
|road=[[Cross City Tunnel]] (west) – [[Sydney central business district|Sydney CBD]]
|notes=none
}}
{{NSWint
|LGAspan=2
|location_special=[[Surry Hills]]–[[Moore Park, New South Wales|Moore Park]] boundary
|lspan=3
|km=2.1
|tunnel=Southern end of tunnel
}}
{{NSWint
|km=2.2
|type=incomplete
|road=South Dowling Street (northbound){{NSWcity|p=on|Surry Hills}}
|notes=Northbound entrance only
}}
{{NSWint
|km=2.4
|bridge=''[[CBD and South East Light Rail|L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail lines]]''
}}
{{NSWint
|location=Moore Park
|km=2.5
|km2=2.8
|tunnel=Tunnel (under [[Cleveland Street, Sydney|Cleveland Street]])
}}
{{NSWint
|location_special=Moore Park–[[Redfern, New South Wales|Redfern]] boundary
|km=3.2
|road=South Dowling Street (southbound), to Dacey Avenue and Lachlan Street{{NSWcity|p=on|Randwick|Alexandria|Rosebery}}
|type=incomplete
|notes=Southbound exit only
}}
{{NSWint
|location=Waterloo
|km=3.5
|km2=4.1
|tunnel=Dacey Todman Underpass tunnel<ref name="hkie" />
}}
{{NSWint
|LGA=Sydney–[[City of Randwick|Randwick]] boundary
|LGAspan=3
|location_special=[[Zetland, New South Wales|Zetland]]–[[Kensington, New South Wales|Kensington]] boundary
|lspan=3
|km=4.4
|road=South Dowling Street (north){{NSWcity|p=on|Waterloo|Moore Park}}<br />O'Dea Avenue (west){{NSWcity|p=on|Waterloo|Zetland}}<br />Todman Avenue{{NSWcity|p=on|Randwick|Kensington}}
|type=incomplete
|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entrance only
}}
{{NSWint
|km=4.7
|uspan=2
|road=Link Road{{NSWcity|p=on|Rosebery}}
|type=incomplete
|notes=Northbound exit and entrance only
}}
{{NSWint
|km=none
|road={{AUshield|NSW|M1|+|airport}} [[Southern Cross Drive]] (M1){{NSWcity|p=on|Mascot}}, [[Wollongong]], [[Canberra]], [[Sydney Airport]]
|type=trans
|notes=Southern terminus of road, route M1 continues south along Southern Cross Drive
}}
{{jctbtm|keys=etc,incomplete,trans}}

== See also ==
{{stack|{{Portal|Australian roads|New South Wales}}}}
* [[Freeways in Sydney]]
* [[List of tunnels in Australia]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Eastern Distributor}}
* {{official website|www.linkt.com.au/using-toll-roads/about-sydney-toll-roads/eastern-distributor/sydney}}

{{Road infrastructure in Sydney}}

[[Category:Highways in Sydney]]
[[Category:Tunnels in Sydney]]
[[Category:Toll roads in Australia]]
[[Category:Tunnels completed in 2000]]
[[Category:Highway 1 (Australia)]]
[[Category:Road tunnels in Australia]]
[[Category:Surry Hills, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Moore Park, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Kensington, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Woolloomooloo]]
[[Category:Darlinghurst, New South Wales]]
[[Category:Redfern, New South Wales]]