Major works are now underway on New South Wales’ $342 million Nowra Bridge project that will deliver a new Shoalhaven River crossing.
“It is great to see this large scale infrastructure project jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Liberal and Nationals Governments powering ahead, which will ease congestion and cater for future traffic growth along this section of the Princes Highway.
“More than 50,000 vehicles cross the Shoalhaven River every day. The new four-lane bridge will make journeys safer and more reliable for all motorists,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
This project will include:
- A new northbound four-lane bridge
- Reconfiguration of the existing concrete bridge to carry southbound traffic
- Intersection upgrades at Illaroo Road, Bolong Road and Bridge Road
- New Pleasant Way T-intersection
- Keeping the old southbound bridge for pedestrians and cyclists
“Since 2011, the Australian and NSW Governments have invested $2.5 billion into building a safer Princes Highway from Sydney to the Victorian border and the Nowra Bridge is an important part of this upgrade.
“This project will change the way residents, tourists and heavy vehicles move in and around the region – and critically, will drive economic activity in the local economy,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said.
The Nowra Bridge project is expected to create about 200 jobs, bringing an economic boost to the local community that is recovering from bushfires and COVID-19.
“This new bridge demonstrates the commitment of both Government to make the road safer while bringing new jobs and investment to the South Coast,” Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said.
State Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said that it is great to see major works get underway to prepare for major construction to begin on the new Nowra Bridge in August.
“Shortly we will see the first loads of rock delivered to build a temporary platform into the Shoalhaven River from near Scenic Drive so that the building of the new bridge structure can commence.
“Vegetation clearing is also under way within the bridge and road alignments to allow the first major earthworks to start at the intersection of Bolong Road and the Princes Highway in the coming weeks,” Mrs Hancock said.
Once completed, motorists will be able to experience improved traffic flow and less congestion on this section of the Princes Highway. This project will also provide safer and more reliable journeys within the Nowra-Bomaderry region.
“The NSW Government has invested a record amount into road infrastructure in the South Coast to make a real difference in the lives of locals.
“We are using this opportunity to improve traffic flow and ease congestion which will see a new roundabout installed on Illaroo Road at Fairway Drive near the foreshore, while the intersection at Scenic Drive and Bridge Road will be closed to improve safety and amenity,” State Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said.
The design and construction contract for the Nowra Bridge project was awarded to Fulton Hogan Construction, and the company commenced early works in February 2020.
The new Nowra Bridge over Shoalhaven River is due to be completed in mid-2024.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Transport for NSW – Roads and Maritime (1, 2); South Coast Register
