Contracts awarded for two major NSW Princes Highway projects

Two major Princes Highway projects in New South Wales are progressing towards construction as contracts for concept design and environmental assessments are awarded. 

The $940 million Milton Ulladulla Bypass and the $500 million Princes Highway upgrade between Jervis Bay and Hawken roads will both help reduce congestion and travel times while also improving road safety and freight access. 

“The Princes Highway is a key corridor connecting communities and supporting tourism and freight up and down the South Coast. 

“Our investment is delivering major projects including Milton Ulladulla Bypass, Jervis Bay Road to Hawken Road Upgrade and the Jervis Road Intersection Upgrade. 

“We will continue to partner with state and territory governments to deliver the road infrastructure that gets people where they need to go faster and safer,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“This is a big step forward for the Princes Highway upgrade projects that will transform travel along the South Coast. 

“With $1.44 billion going towards these two projects, this demonstrated a significant investment in the future of the South Coast, supporting regional growth and better connecting our communities,” NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said. 

Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to develop the concept design and the environmental assessment, including an Environmental Impact Statement, for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass. 

The concept design phase will confirm the design features of the project, such as the lane configuration and intersections connecting to the existing highway. This part of the planning stage will also provide more certainty on the project’s footprint and boundaries, including local road access during construction and operation of the bypass. 

This project will deliver a bypass road through the Milton and Ulladulla town centres, providing motorists safer and more reliable journeys along the Princes Highway. 

"This is a significant milestone with two major projects progressing into key development phases. 

“This investment by the Australian and NSW Governments of $1.44 billion will improve safety and resilience while reducing congestion and improving access for local, tourist and freight traffic. 

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be working with the Albanese Labor Government to invest in new road and transport infrastructure that will better connect regional communities,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

On the other hand, MRB Technical Services has been awarded the contract to carry out concept design and environmental assessment on the Princes Highway upgrade between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road. 

MRB Technical Services is a joint venture between Mott MacDonald Australia Pty Limited, RPS AAP Consulting Pty Limited and BG&E Pty Limited. 

The concept design phase as well as the environmental assessment process for this project, including the preparation of the Review of Environmental Factors, will explore the project’s impact on the surrounding area and proposed mitigation measures for impacts on flora and fauna, noise and vibration, and First Nations heritage. 

This Princes Highway upgrade will deliver two lanes in each direction, spanning six kilometres between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road, separated by a median barrier. An intersection at Hawken Road in Tomerong will also be upgraded through this project. 

“I am pleased to see these two projects moving into concept design and environmental assessment stages. 

“A bypass of Milton and Ulladulla and an improved Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road are key projects for the South Coast. 

“We are moving forward with upgrading this corridor, with two projects now in concept design and one in construction,” Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said. 

The two projects, which have a total value of $1.44 billion, are jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. 

The Australian Government has committed $752 million towards the Milton Ulladulla Bypass, with the State Government committing $188 million. 

Meanwhile, the Princess Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road is funded with $400 million from the Australian Government and $100 million from the New South Wales Government. 

Transport for NSW will continue providing updates to the community to keep them informed as planning progresses on the two priority Princes Highway projects. 

“Today marks a significant milestone for our region, with contracts now signed to progress the Milton Ulladulla Bypass and the Princes Highway upgrade. 

“These projects are essential investments on our local infrastructure, paving the way for safer, faster, and more reliable travel for everyone. 

“The Milton Ulladulla Bypass and the improved Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road are game changers for our community. 

“These upgrades will not only ease congestion and improve travel times but also enhance safety and support economic growth by improving freight access across the South Coast. 

“As these projects progress, I’m committed to ensuring the community stays informed and involved. Your voices are crucial, and I’ll continue to work hard to make sure the outcomes reflect the needs and aspirations of the people of our region. 

“Projects of this scale take time to ensure planning and delivery is considered and that we get it right. We appreciate the patience of our local communities and thank them for their input so far,” State Member for South Coast Liza Butler said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2, 3)