Major work has commenced on the Albion Park Rail Bypass in NSW, marking the largest ever single investment in the history of the Princes Highway.
Member for Kiama and Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra, Gareth Ward, said that the start of works also represents the largest infrastructure investment in the history of the region.
“Benefits of the project include improved safety for road users by refining the alignment of the pedestrian and cycle path, and smoother traffic flow at the Oak Flats interchange.
“The project features innovative designs including a bridge that will let sunlight in underneath the highway at Yallah, while incorporating noise mitigation measures and native plant species into the landscape.
“Once complete, the new motorway will bypass 16 intersections and motorists will save up to 30 per cent in travel time.”
Mr Ward said work is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks, including utility service investigation and relocation, establishment of safe access and egress points for bypass workers and vehicles, clearing of trees and vegetation, implementation of safety and traffic controls, and temporarily modifying pedestrian and cyclist access.
“Utility service relocation work will also be carried out on the Illawarra Highway and East West Link and will include trenching, under boring, saw cutting, excavation, installing new conduits, fitting valves and pipes, backfilling and reinstating ground surfaces,” he said.
