Works are underway to continue to improve West Dapto Road between Shone Avenue, Horsley and Rainbird Drive, Kembla Grange.
It's all part of Wollongong City Council's plans to improve access to and around West Dapto. The West Dapto Upgrade Project is a large-scale effort to address a range of road improvements including accessibility, safety, access, and flood reliability in West Dapto.
The West Dapto Upgrade Project is being completed in two phases. Right now, we've started work on the western end of West Dapto Road with adjustments to services, earthworks, pavement upgrades, stormwater works, road furniture, streetlighting and other associated civil works.
We anticipate the first phase of works to be completed by mid-2023, pending weather conditions. We'll roll out the next phase of works once this first phase is completed.
The upgrade continues the work Council has already completed in the area in recent years. Other key projects delivered to improve accessibility in West Dapto include Karrara Bridge, which opened in early 2020 and the replacement of two bridges on Shone Avenue which were widened and raised to make the road more accessible during heavy rainfall events.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that West Dapto was Wollongong's fastest growing suburb.
"Over the next few decades, West Dapto will become home to around 19,000 new homes and more than 50,000 people. To cater to this demand, Council has a long-term vision for West Dapto to meet the needs of our changing community," Cr Bradbery said.
"Overseeing growth in West Dapto is one of the biggest and longest-running projects we've ever undertaken and it's exciting to see work progressing on this next stage. These current upgrades to West Dapto Road will have long-term benefits to safety, reducing congestion and improve access during floods.
"We've invested a lot of work into West Dapto over the years from completing works on the Karrara Bridge at Fowlers Road which provides flood-reliable access to residents, planting more trees in public spaces to provide shade, and the ongoing works to ensure the Wongawilli Village has the infrastructure it needs to support its growing population.
"West Dapto Road is the main access route in the north of the land release. Its upgrade is vital and ultimately will be linked to Northcliffe Drive and the M1. Design work is underway for this future link across the main line to the M1"
