The much-needed alternative connection between the Nowra CBD and the suburbs and villages east of Nowra is a step closer following the appointment of Leckring Pty Ltd T/A MIEngineers (partnering with Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd) to undertake project management, investigation, and design services for the East Nowra Sub Arterial (ENSA) Road project.
ENSA has been provided $12 million from the NSW Government to complete the next phase of the project, consisting of project management, site investigations, design and early construction works.
Mayor Patricia White said ENSA was a significant infrastructure project that would reduce congestion on the Princes Highway at Nowra and create a critical connection between the Princes Highway and Greenwell Point Road.
"This project is key to unlocking current congestion through Nowra and will remove around 4,000 vehicles a day from the highway," Cr White said.
"With more visitors travelling to the region and traffic volumes on the Princes Highway exceeding capacity, the awarding of this tender represents a major milestone on the project," she said.
"Leckring Pty Ltd T/A MIEngineers is an experienced consultancy who is well placed to undertake this contract based on their unique offering as a local firm with significant background knowledge and experience in delivering projects of similar nature and scale."
The Member for South Coast Liza Butler said she was pleased to see the project progressing to the next stage of development.
"The Minns Labor Government has listened to the community and by providing this investment to Shoalhaven council we have made progressing this project a priority for our local community.
"The ENSA Road project will relieve pressure along the Kalandar Street and Princes Highway intersection, reduce congestion through to the Nowra CBD and become the new primary route for traffic moving between the highway and Worrigee and the coastal villages to the east.
"This is part of our commitment to exploring both medium and long-term initiatives to provide a safer Princes Highway, improve traffic flow, and help make the growing community of the Nowra region a better place to live, work, study and visit."
The contract includes services such as:
- Project management through the funded investigations, design and early construction works stages.
- Site investigations including but not limited to survey, services, traffic, flood, environmental, and geotechnical.
- Preparation of designs ready for construction of the road and early work packages.
Council resolved to proceed with the contract at the Ordinary Meeting on 12 November 2024.
The benefits of the ENSA road include:
- Reduction of congestion on Princes Highway by providing an alternative connection between Nowra and Greenwell Point Road.
- Removal of vehicles from the Princes Highway directly associated with accessing the Nowra Centre Plaza.
- Alternative route for travel between the Princes Highway and villages to the east of Nowra, including Worrigee.
- Alleviating the pressure off the Kalandar Street / Princes Highway intersection.
- Reduction of 'rat-running' on roads east of Princes Highway i.e., Terara Road, Comerong Road, Millbank Road, Jindy Andy Lane.
Formal engagement of the Consultant is underway with design and investigation works to commence in the coming months.
For updates on the project head to Council's website.
