The next stage of the Tomakin Road safety upgrade begins next week, part of a $3 million of work to drive down road related trauma and service future traffic increases.
Initial work will focus on the section of Tomakin Road between James Street and Mogo Wildlife Park, before extending toward Tomakin later in the year.
Eurobodalla director of infrastructure Warren Sharpe OAM said the work would widen traffic lanes, centrelines and road shoulders, enhance clear zones, build additional stormwater infrastructure, strengthen road pavement, add new signage and guardrail, and upgrade key intersections. It would also provide better on-road cycling.
"This major arterial road between Mogo and Tomakin has seen a 30 per cent increase in traffic volume in recent years. That growth will continue with increased tourism and the development of coastal villages like Broulee, Tomakin, Rosedale and Malua Bay," he said.
"Proactively providing in-built safety measures keeps us ahead of the game when reducing road-related trauma, rather than waiting for an inevitable cluster of crashes to occur. It's possible thanks to a three-year NSW Government's Safer Roads Program grant. So far, we've already put in the Tomakin roundabout, upgraded the road from Dunns Creek Road intersection to Tomakin, upgraded sections near the zoo and at a notorious crash site, as well as most of the roadside clearing."
Mr Sharpe said Council would continue advocating for a Princes Highway and Tomakin Road intersection upgrade, and had applied for state and federal grants to improve the Charles Street intersection.
"The work along Tomakin Road will proceed in stages to match available grant funds. We aim to finish the work by Christmas," he said.
Heavy machinery will be active along the road and traffic control will be in place. Commuters should use the alternative route along George Bass Drive or allow extra time to travel through the area.
