The Albion Park Rail Bypass, between Sydney and Bomaderry, is due to open in mid-2021, more than 12 months earlier than expected.
Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, said he was excited to be delivering the $630 million project on budget and ahead of schedule.
“It shows the community that we are serious about delivering for the South Coast, and doing it as soon as possible,” Mr Ward said.
“This demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to upgrading this section of the Princes Highway which will see the efficient movement of freight and reduce journey times for all motorists as well as returning the local streets to their local communities.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the project has been a huge boost for local jobs and the local economy.
“More than two million hours of work have been carried out on the bypass to date and about 2,800 people have worked on the project since construction started, with more than 300 people working on site at the project’s peak and around 70 per cent of full time jobs going to local workers,” Mr Toole said
“The project has made use of extended work hours to deliver the upgrade more quickly than expected while significantly reducing construction impacts.
“This project is also going to be a game-changer for the community.
“The bypass will significantly reduce traffic through Albion Park Rail, with 65 per cent of vehicles expected to transfer onto the bypass once complete.”
The 9.8km bypass between Yallah and Oak Flats will complete the ‘missing link’ for a high standard road between Sydney and Bomaderry.
Two of the project’s 13 bridges are now open to traffic, with crews pushing on with work on other bridges as well as utility relocations and major earth and road work.
The next milestone on the project is the third East West Link traffic switch, currently scheduled for the end of November 2020.
