Liberal Candidate for South Coast, Luke Sikora, welcomed the announcement of a major Hawken Road intersection, which will feature a grade-separated overpass, as part of the $500 million joint-funded Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Road Princes Highway upgrade.
Mr Sikora said the overpass will allow traffic access to the highway in both directions and improve connectivity to the surrounding local villages, as well as the safety of people using this road.
"I was originally inspired to get involved in politics when two of my school friends died in a car crash – and making these roads safer is one of the most important things I can do for our community."
Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock, said the Perrottet Government has been getting on with the job of delivering important infrastructure upgrades, but it requires a strong local advocate to ensure that the local focus can be maintained.
"Since 2011, our Government has committed $5.15 billion to deliver upgrades to the Princes Highway to ensure the road is safer for motorists, to improve traffic and freight efficiency, and importantly to improve connectivity to our coastal towns and villages.
"As part of the $500 million upgrade between Jervis Bay Road and Sussex Inlet Road Princes Highway upgrade, a new intersection will be delivered at Hawken Road, Tomerong featuring an overpass, improving safety and allowing east-west movements between Hawken Road and Blackbutt Range Road.
"Along with the duplication of the six-kilometre stretch of the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road, this new intersection will provide safer journeys and better support local traffic, tourism, and freight movements," Mrs Hancock said.
"The upgraded section of highway will also connect with the new Jervis Bay Road intersection, which is on track for early work to start later this year."
Luke Sikora said it is essential that the community continues to be informed and consulted.
"I encourage our community to get involved in this project, and have a say as design progresses on the Hawken Road intersection, including work to identify the preferred corridor and access points for local roads and private properties," said Mr Sikora. "I am pleased Transport for NSW will be meeting with residents at Tomerong next month to ensure they are consulted every step of the way."
"If elected, I commit to the delivery a safer Princes Highway along the entirety of the south coast, ensuring safer trips for local residents and motorists," Mr Sikora said.
