Wollongong Council is excited to see the next phase of work begin on a major upgrade to West Dapto Road, between Shone Avenue and Yard Street. The start of this project marks another significant milestone for our region's housing future.
This will include upgrade of the Shone Avenue and West Dapto Road intersection, a new shared path with a pedestrian bridge, new road pavements, stormwater drainage, extensive services relocation, line marking, landscaping, signage, and road infrastructure.
Works are due to start in late April / May 2025 with detailed planning currently underway to refine the construction methodology with the goal of minimising construction duration and reducing the timeframe of any necessary road closures.
Delivering this key piece of infrastructure will require a temporary full road closure, which will deliver significant advantages to the project and long-term benefits to the community. It is anticipated that this road closure will be implemented in mid-2025. Detour opportunities will be available to support residents in Wongawilli, Stream Hill and Horsely.
The full closure is expected to result in a reduction in construction timeline of up to 10 weeks and generate significant cost savings for the project. Once the full closure timing and duration is determined, which is dependent on relocation of various key services such as water mains, road users and the wider community will be notified.
This vital project is co-funded through the NSW Government's Housing Acceleration Fund which has contributed $26 million to accelerate delivery.
"The West Dapto Project is vital to the future housing needs of our rapidly growing region, and it requires carefully planned construction and delivery of vital supporting infrastructure," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"We're grateful for the funding support of the NSW government to ensure it can be delivered responsibly and sustainably, while maintaining safe and reliable alternative routes, where required, that minimise long-term disruption for residents.
"While no one likes the inconvenience of a road closure, the forecast time and cost savings as a result of a full closure are huge."
The detour options are expected to result in a slight increase in travel time for residents compared to maintaining through traffic in a construction site. Significant services relocation, particularly near the Shone Avenue and West Dapto Road intersection, will dictate the timing and duration of the required road closures.
Closing the road to through traffic allows the community to plan a consistent travel schedule using alternate routes. It also removes the uncertainty of delays and changes that can occur when navigating through an active construction site.
In addition to significant costs savings, uninterrupted work periods will enhance construction quality and improve safety for both workers and the community by removing through traffic within the worksite.
Council has completed detailed analysis of alternative routes to minimise inconvenience for residents who regularly utilise this section of West Dapto Road.
Primary Detour Routes will be via:
- Fairwater Drive/Fowlers Road with M1 access
- Bong Bong Road (no trucks)
- Princes Highway (northern access)
- Darkes Road (no trucks)
Council is also working with Transport for NSW and Premier Bus Services to review services to all areas, including Stream Hill, and to develop alternative routing for school services.
The community will remain informed during this period through real-time traffic updates displayed on variable message signs. The road closure will also be reported to live traffic services, enabling residents to navigate seamlessly using their personal devices.
"While we acknowledge the road closure will be a temporary inconvenience, the longer-term advantages of this approach make it worthwhile," Cr Brown said.
"We're grateful to the residents of Wongawilli and surrounding suburbs for understanding how the short-term pain, will be a long-term gain.''
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, said these upgrades will increase the road's capacity to support both the existing and future housing.
"The Minns Government is building better communities which means delivering infrastructure like roads to support housing growth," Mr Scully said.
"The beginning of work on the West Dapto Road upgrade will pave the way to fast-track vital infrastructure and unlock development to deliver more diverse regional housing.
"This brings the NSW Government's total fast track investment spend in the Illawarra up to $59.6 million."
Member for Shellharbour Ms Anna Watson was delighted to see fast-tracked delivery of the project to meet the needs of the growing community.
"I am delighted to see the start of this much-needed upgrade to West Dapto Road," Ms Watson said.
"This upgrade will not only make life easier for existing residents of the Wongawilli area, but also for those looking to move into this beautiful part of the Illawarra in the coming years."
Member for Keira and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Mr Ryan Park added:
"I am truly pleased to see this vital road upgrade progressing in such a rapidly growing part of our region. This project is not just about improving infrastructure; it's about enhancing the safety and well-being of our community.
"Once completed, it will provide smoother, more efficient travel for all, and, most importantly, create a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians alike. I greatly appreciate the community's patience during this time, knowing that these improvements will bring long-term benefits."
