The first environmental studies for the Milton Ulladulla bypass project have been completed, with the project now in the concept design phase.
The project is jointly funded with $752 million from the Federal Government and $188 million from the New South Wales Government.
This new phase involves exploring corridor refinements needed to ensure that the project best delivers improved connectivity and reduced travel times.
A local access strategy will also be developed to ensure the bypass provides access to properties and businesses when local roads may be impacted by construction and operation of the bypass.
Development of the strategy will involve consultation with Shoalhaven City Council, property owners, businesses and community groups to ensure the design options meet the needs of locals and the wider community.
Once built, the bypass will improve road safety and reduce travel times on the Princes Highway and improve trip reliability, by bypassing Milton and Ulladulla town centres.
As the concept design phase continues, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement will also be developed to ensure construction of the bypass does not unnecessarily impact on local wildlife, while protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
While planning on the bypass continues, Transport for NSW is also considering other short-term opportunities in and around Milton and Ulladulla to make improvements to footpaths, signage and lighting.
The Transport for NSW project team has invited the community to drop-in sessions in July and August 2024 to learn more about the project and provide any feedback.
The team will be at:
- Ulladulla Civic Centre on Saturday 27 July between 10am and 12pm
- Milton Village Markets on Saturday 3 August between 9am and 2pm
- Mollymook Surf Club on Wednesday 21 August between 3pm and 6pm
Transport for NSW has said that it will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses on the Milton Ulladulla bypass as well as plans for any short-term improvements.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are proudly progressing the Milton Ulladulla bypass, and ensuring we undertake the research and planning required to build this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project properly.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, thanked New South Wales Member for South Coast, Liza Butler, and Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, for their ongoing advocacy and support for the project.
“The Federal and New South Wales Governments are proud to be responsibly delivering major infrastructure projects in a staged, well thought through and financially responsible way,” Minister Aitchison said.
Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, said that she encourages every community member to attend a drop-in session and have their say.
“We are proudly focused on ensuring the community can help shape this bypass project and that residents are kept informed as work progresses through the required phases to ensure we deliver a world class piece of road infrastructure,” Ms Phillips said.
New South Wales Member for South Coast, Liza Butler, said that she is pleased to see the planning moving along for the bypass.
“This project will play a key role in improving safety and efficiency along the Princes Highway,” Ms Butler said.
“In the meantime, we are committed to consulting with the community to help identify opportunities to upgrade footpaths, signage, lighting or reduced speed limits in and around Milton and Ulladulla that may be achieved in the short-term.
“I will continue to advocate for my community and look forward to attending the upcoming consultation sessions.”
Image: Andrey_Popov/shutterstock.com
