Local communities are invited to help shape the vision for a safer, more reliable and more efficient Princes Highway along the South Coast with upgrade plans for the Milton-Ulladulla bypass, Moruya bypass and Jervis Bay Road intersection upgrade now released for community feedback.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal and NSW Liberal and Nationals Governments were working closely to invest more than $1.5 billion in new upgrades along the Princes Highway.
"The Liberals and Nationals in Government are working together to upgrade the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border," Mr McCormack said.
"We know just how important these projects are to locals, visitors and freight operators, which is why these are priority works into the future."
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the projects would be a real boost for the South Coast region.
"Since 2011, we have invested $2.5 billion in highway upgrades between Sydney and Nowra, and now we're moving further down the coast," Mr Barilaro said.
"These projects show our commitment to the South Coast following this season's bushfires by creating a more resilient transport network.
"We have had crews working around the clock to clear debris and re-open roads as quickly as possible following the fires and an upgraded road network will make us better prepared and better positioned to respond to these natural disasters."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the three priority projects would improve safety, ease congestion and return local roads to local communities.
"By going out for community consultation on three of our major projects, we hope to hear from those who live, work and travel in and around the South Coast so we can deliver the right solution, the first time," Mr Toole said.
"This is a massive infrastructure investment that will transform journeys along the South Coast in the same way the Pacific Highway upgrade has transformed the North Coast.
"These priority projects between Jervis Bay Road and Moruya will be a major boost to the local economy and are expected to create an additional 1000 direct and 3000 indirect jobs over the next five years.
"As we saw with the Pacific Highway Upgrade, we expect to see the creation of massive employment and training opportunities for local communities. This is in addition to the influx of workers and resources we will see for an infrastructure program of this scale, which will help to boost local industry and support future growth."
Consultation will:
• Seek feedback on the identified corridor for the Milton Ulladulla bypass shown in the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan. A preferred route and future features of the bypass including the connections with the existing highway will be determined following community feedback and further investigations.
• Seek feedback on the Moruya bypass project before developing options for a preferred corridor
• Seek the community's views of the Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection upgrade before a preferred option is identified.
Visit princeshighway.nsw.gov.au to view the new vision for the Princes Highway and have your say on the three projects by Monday 13 April 2020.
Community drop-in events will be held along the South Coast throughout March and April with locals encouraged to meet the program team.
A Princes Highway Progress Report card will also be released that highlights major upgrades being delivered.
The report card will showcase the Nowra Bridge project, Berry to Bomaderry upgrade, Albion Park Rail bypass and Batemans Bay Bridge replacement.
Community consultation drop in sessions:
Jervis Bay Road intersection upgrade
Tuesday 24 March, 1.30pm - 3:30pm, Huskisson Community Centre, 17 Dent Street, Huskisson
Thursday 26 March, 4pm - 6pm, Vincentia Marketplace, 8 Moona Creek Road, Vincentia
Saturday 28 March, 1pm - 4pm, Huskisson Community Centre, 17 Dent Street, Huskisson
Milton Ulladulla bypass
Wednesday 25 March, 10am - 2pm, Ulladulla Scout Hall, 57 St Vincent Street, Ulladulla
Sunday 29 March, 8am-1pm, Mollymook Beach markets
Wednesday 1 April 3pm-6pm, in front of Milton IGA, Princes Highway, Milton.
Moruya bypass
Monday 23 March, 2pm - 6pm, Moruya - Mechanics Institute, 15 Page Street, Moruya
Thursday 2 April, 10am - 2pm, Thursday 2 April, near Moruya Pharmacy, 48 Vulcan Street, Moruya
Saturday 4 April, Moruya Country Markets
