Albion Park Rail bypass opening a few steps away
19 June 2021
Locals have laced up to celebrate the upcoming opening of the $630 million Albion Park Rail Bypass by walking along a section of the new roadway before it opens to traffic progressively in the coming months.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the walkover allowed the community to check out the biggest road infrastructure project in the region’s history before it crosses the finish line a year ahead of schedule.
“This bypass will be a total game changer for the South Coast, delivering faster, safer journeys between Sydney and Bomaderry – and it’s clear from the excitement of locals walking over it today that this is something the community has been looking forward to,” Mr Toole said.
“This is a project many people thought would never happen but the NSW Government has made it a reality and will deliver it a year ahead of schedule.
“Sixteen intersections will be bypassed when the motorway is fully open, delivering a time saving of up to 30 per cent, and returning local streets to local communities with 65 per cent of traffic expected to transfer onto the completed bypass.
“Earthworks are now complete, 13 bridges have been built, more than 70,000 tonnes of asphalt has been laid and the team has already installed around half of the 484 signs along the bypass.”
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said the bypass would complete the missing link for a high standard road between Sydney and Bomaderry.
“A section of the motorway has opened temporarily to local traffic between Yallah and Albion Park, the Dapto exit ramp has moved further south and permanent traffic lights are switched on at the Oak Flats interchange, so we’re powering ahead towards welcoming cars onto the bypass,” Mrs Hancock said
Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the project marked another milestone in the NSW Government’s transformation of the Princes Highway.
“The benefits of this bypass stretch right along the South Coast, unlocking greater opportunities for tourism and economic growth in our regional communities,” Mr Constance said.
Motorists driving north from Kiama are next in line to benefit from the project, with northbound traffic shifting from the existing Princes Highway. There will be more traffic changes in the month following, including the full opening of the Princes Motorway northbound and southbound, new traffic lights at Tongarra Road and the opening of the northbound on-ramp at the East West Link.
For more information, visit nswroads.work/aprb.