Major construction work on the next stage of the NSW South Coast's Princes Highway upgrade is set to begin following the awarding of the major construction contract.
SRG Global Civil will this month begin work on the $164 million Jervis Bay Road intersection upgrade, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
The upgraded intersection will include 2 lanes in each direction of the Princes Highway, longer entry and exit lanes, and free-flow traffic access north and south.
Bus bays, car parking, a kiss-and-ride facility, bicycle racks, bus shelters and shared path connections will also be built as part of a multi-modal facility that will form part of the upgraded intersection.
Early construction work on the new grade-separated intersection, which provides the main link to the coastal villages of Huskisson, Vincentia, Hyams Beach and Jervis Bay, will begin in coming weeks.
Construction is expected to take about 4 years, with completion expected in late 2027, weather permitting.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:
"Enabling works were completed earlier this year, and now, with the contract for major construction work awarded, this allows us to forge ahead with this much-needed safety upgrade for an intersection.
"The intersection has the highest volume of vehicle movements on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the border with Victoria and has been the location of 15 crashes in the past 5 years, resulting in 6 serious and 11 minor injuries.
"The work we're funding will help save lives and reduce crashes."
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:
"This intersection upgrade will be a game-changer for motorists and communities on the South Coast.
"The upgraded intersection includes an overpass bridge for highway traffic to safely cross Jervis Bay Road and it will also allow road users on Jervis Bay Road to turn north on the Princes Highway without being held up by highway traffic."
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:
"The design of this upgraded intersection will include roundabouts on either side of Jervis Bay Road, reducing the likelihood of crashes and providing safer, reliable and congestion-free connectivity for all road users.
"It's great to see community feedback has been incorporated into the final design, with western entry and exit lanes and a roundabout connecting the Old Princes Highway a direct result of that feedback.
"The design has also been enhanced to include improved connectivity options for wildlife."
State Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
"Along with members of my community, I am very pleased to see work ramping up on this important infrastructure project.
"The awarding of the major construction contract demonstrates the Albanese and Minns Labor governments are getting on with the job of delivering important infrastructure that will set up the South Coast for the future."
