Work is well underway on a $19 million project to improve safety on the Princes Highway at South Nowra. The project, located between Forest Road at South Nowra and Falls Road at Falls Creek, is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
In February 2007, the contract to construct the project was awarded to Reed Constructions Australia. Work is currently scheduled to be completed in late-2008 (weather permitting). The RTA has also engaged Professional Engineering Services Pty Ltd to manage the construction contract.
Project overview
The upgrade of the three kilometre length of the Princes Highway between Forest Road and Falls Road will involve:
Widening the highway to four lanes from just south of Forest Road to Falls Road.
Duplicating the two-lane bridge over Currambene Creek.
Installing a wire rope safety barrier in the median strip between opposing lanes of traffic.
Upgrading highway intersections at Comberton Grange Road, Parma Road and Falls Road including u-turn facilities at Forest Road, Comberton Grange Road and Parma Road to allow landowners directly fronting the highway to have safe access in all directions.
Repaving the road surface of bus bays at existing stopping areas opposite Parma Road and on each side of the highway near Falls Road.
Background
The Australian Government has provided $15 million for safety works at South Nowra under its AusLink Strategic Regional Program, and the NSW Government will contribute $4 million.
In 2005, as part of this project, the Australian Government funded improvements to pavement drainage and traffic islands at the Jervis Bay Road junction at a cost of $500,000.
In July 2006, the RTA upgraded the highway at Forest Road by providing a separate right turn lane, which assisted Shoalhaven City Council with its reconstruction of Forest Road.
In October 2006, after consultation with the community about the project design, some changes were made to the project, including an additional u-turn facility on Comberton Grange Road and a no right turn out of Parma Road.
Current construction activities include:
Earthworks construction, including the lower pavement layers.
Construction of the drainage systems.
Building substructure for the new Currambene Creek Bridge.
Changed traffic conditions
Motorists will be able to use the intersections between Forest Road and Falls Road while the upgrade of the highway is underway. Motorists are advised to follow all road directions, obey all temporary speed limits and drive with caution through the site whilst work is in progress, to ensure the safety of workers and motorists.
Site Office
A site office has been established at 50 Comberton Grange Road approximately 500 metres from the Princes Highway. Reed Constructions Australia is the main contractor (02) 4447 8400), with the RTA's site management being undertaken by Professional Engineering Services Pty Ltd (02 4447 8984).
Contact information
For more information please contact the project manager Brian Lefoe on (02) 4221 2428 or email Brian_Lefoe@rta.nsw.gov.au.
Back to top