Realignment of the Princes Highway

On 13 December 2006 the Australian Government announced $10 million would be provided under the AusLink Strategic Regional Program to Kiama Municipal Council, representing the Southern Councils Group, towards improvements on the Princes Highway at Conjola Mountain.  The project is expected to cost $45 million and is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments.

The proposal

The selected proposal involves a realignment of the Princes Highway from Bendalong Road to just south of a new Conjola Creek Bridge.  The proposal will be delivered in two stages.

Stage 1: Conjola Creek Bridge section - A new Conjola Creek Bridge and 1.3km of road approaches.

Stage 2: Conjola Mountain section – a realignment of the Princes Highway from Bendalong Road to the northern approaches of the new Conjola Creek Bridge.  The proposal for Stage 2 also includes an additional lane to allow for overtaking on the steeper section of the road, and the provision of a wire rope median safety barrier. A 120m bridge will be constructed over one of the steeper areas of the realignment along with  4 reinforced earth wall structures that will minimise the footprint of the project and reduce the amount of clearing required.

Access to properties will be retained or improved as part of the proposal.

Construction has commenced on stage 1 of the project.

Benefits

• Improved road safety.
• Improved road alignment.
• Provision of an overtaking lane for vehicles travelling uphill.
• Reduced traffic delays.
• Improved flood immunity to 1 in 100 year flood event by constructing a new Conjola Creek Bridge and road approaches.

What happens next?

For more information

For more information on the proposal and the studies please phone the project manager, Adrian Rouse on 4221 2479 or email Adrian_Rouse@rta.nsw.gov.au.

Below: Stage 1 works, Conjola Creek Bridge section - A new Conjola Creek Bridge and 1.3km of road approaches