Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks on the Jervis Bay Road Intersection Project at the Princes Highway intersection with Jervis Bay Road at Falls Creek, marking a major milestone for the New South Wales south coast road corridor.
The Federal Government has committed $100 million toward the project, with the remaining $64 million to be provided by the New South Wales Government.
The project is being delivered as part of a $2.55 billion program of jointly funded investments in the Princes Highway including Milton Ulladulla Bypass corridor.
This project is the second within the corridor to reach construction following the new Nowra Bridge project.
This project plans to deliver a grade-separated flyover-style intersection, providing an overpass across the Princes Highway, with a roundabout on each side of Jervis Bay Road to deliver safer and smoother connections.
When complete, this upgrade will include expanding the Princes Highway to two lanes in each direction on the approaches to the intersection, longer entry and exit lanes, and free-flowing access to the highway when travelling north and south.
The intersection has the highest volume of vehicle movements on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border. It has been the location of 15 crashes over the past five years, resulting in six serious injuries.
The upgrade will deliver around 110 jobs during construction, followed by safety and efficiency benefits for the community, when complete.
The construction schedule has been refined to reduce the impacts of out of hours work on residents.
The project will be delivered by contractor SRG Global Civil and is expected to take up to four years to complete, weather permitting.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that this marks the start of major work on the second project for the Princes Highway corridor, which is a total joint investment of $2.55 billion in the south coast.
“The Federal Government’s commitment to jointly fund this upgrade with the State Government ensures that the south coast region can benefit from safer roads for locals, tourists and freight industries,” Minister King said.
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said that this work will help locals and tourists get to places like Huskisson, Vincentia and Jervis Bay faster and safer.
“The Jervis Bay and South Coast communities deserve this important upgrade and we’re proud to be delivering it for them,” Premier Minns said.
“I want to pay credit to those who have fought for this vital upgrade, including the Vincentia Matters group. This milestone reflects all your hard work and advocacy.
“Residents and motorists on the south coast will benefit for years to come from this work funded by the State and Federal Governments.”
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, said that the start of major work on this project will be welcome news for all motorists on the New South Wales south coast, especially those who have campaigned for safety and efficiency upgrades at this intersection.
“The Federal Government is committed to investing in major infrastructure projects like the Princes Highway and this work will streamline access points to popular residential and tourist locations on the south coast.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that this work is long overdue and that it is vital to local people, businesses, tourists and freight operators.
“The New South Wales Government is committed to working with the community and transport industries to deliver this project and we thank everyone for their advocacy and input into the plans for this incredible project.”