Oak Flats to Dunmore

Contract awarded

On 28 February 2007 a contract was awarded to FRH Group Pty Ltd to construct the new section of the Princes Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore.

The new highway will be a four-lane divided carriageway, with a grade separated interchange linked to Shellharbour Road. Shellharbour Road will also be upgraded to four lanes, matching the remainder of its link to Wollongong.

The new highway will link the Oak Flats Interchange to the North Kiama Bypass providing a high standard four lane highway from Sydney to south of Kiama.

Construction works commenced in June 2007 and completion is currently scheduled for late 2009.

This project is fully funded by the NSW Government.

Background

The Princes Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore was constructed in the 1930s and is no longer suitable for the traffic flows that it is required to carry.

Early planning by the RTA identified a new road corridor, generally following the railway line. This new corridor was reserved in Shellharbour City Council’s town plan in 1986.

Environmental studies

An environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared and exhibited in late 1993 and early 1994. Following consideration of the issues raised in response to the EIS, further flora and noise studies were carried out. In 1997 the RTA approved the project. In 1997 approval was also given by the Minister for Planning for the North Kiama Bypass. It was decided to construct the North Kiama Bypass first, whilst concept planning and land acquisition for the upgrade of the Princes Highway from Oak Flats to Dunmore was underway.

Since the 1997 approval, there have been a number of changes to legislation. In response, the RTA has undertaken an environmental review of the 1997 approval and considered a minor change to the configuration of the Shellharbour Road interchange. The environmental review has now been finalised and the design approved.

With the completion of the North Kiama Bypass in November 2005, the Oak Flats to Dunmore project is now in the construction phase.

Key features of the project

The upgrade of the Princes Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore will complete the Government’s strategy of providing a four lane highway from Sydney to the south of Kiama. Its key features include;

A four lane divided carriageway on the Princes Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore.
The upgrade of Shellharbour Road to four lanes completing the final section of the multi-lane Shellharbour Road to Wollongong.
A grade separated interchange at Shellharbour Road.
The extension of the on-road cycleway network and new dedicated pedestrian and cyclist connection to the off-road cycleway through Dunmore swamp oak forest.
The elimination of narrow winding alignments without overtaking opportunities.
A new bridge over the railway line at Lindsay’s Lane eliminating the level crossing near Dunmore Station.
Raised road levels at Dunmore matching the northbound section of the North Kiama Bypass.
A southbound heavy vehicle parking area and inspection bay at the Nungarry rest area on the North Kiama Bypass.

Benefits of the project

Significantly reduction in traffic congestion for tourists and holiday makers during school holidays, weekends and public holidays.
Improved traffic flows for southern motorists commuting to Wollongong and Sydney during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
Improved safety with the elimination of a narrow winding alignment completely devoid of overtaking opportunities.
Improved safety and elimination of delays at the Shellharbour Road and Princes Highway junction.
A flood free route by raising road levels at Dunmore.
Delays caused by trains passing through the rail level crossing will be eliminated.
An area for heavy vehicles to park for drivers to rest and check loads and for safe heavy vehicle inspection operations.

For further information

For further information about the Oak Flats to Dunmore project please phone the community contact line on 1800 633 332 (press option 7) or e-mail brian_lefoe@rta.nsw.gov.au.