Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is planning for a future upgrade of the Princes Highway at Termeil Creek which will be built to modern highway standards.

In the 2011/12 NSW Government budget, $400,000 was allocated to the project to continue planning for the highway upgrade.

Project background

RMS proposes to realign approximately 1.6 kilometres of the Princes Highway to modern highway standards. This section of road immediately north of Termeil Creek Bridge has poor alignment and the bridge itself is old and will require replacement in the future.

A preferred option for the proposed upgrade was publicly displayed for community feedback in December 2010.

Key features of the project

• Realignment of approximately 1.6 kilometres of the Princes Highway, improving the existing substandard curves to the north of Termeil Creek Bridge.
• Construction of a new, wider bridge designed to achieve 1 in 100 year flood immunity for highway traffic.
• Environmental improvements including crossings for native animals both above and below the new road.
• Measures to protect water quality.

Benefits of the project

• Improved road safety.
• Safer access for adjacent residents.
• Improved road geometry and alignment.
• Reduced travel times for traffic on the Princes Highway with the upgrade constructed to a 100km/h standard.
• Minimal impact on ecologically significant habitats.
• Improved creek crossing.

What's happening now?

RMS placed a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) on public display for comment from Monday 28 November 2011 until Friday 16 December 2011. Submissions are currently being investigated and a submissions report is being developed. The determination on the REF will also be finalised over the coming months.

The REF investigated a range of issues including flora and fauna, flooding and drainage, water quality, non Aboriginal and Aboriginal heritage as well as noise and visual impacts. A copy of the REF is available on the project documents page.

For more information

For more information please contact the Project Development Manager Sarah Webb on: (02) 4221 2584, by email to Sarah_Webb@rta.nsw.gov.au or by post to PO Box 477, Wollongong, NSW 2520.