Early opening for Albion Park Rail Bypass
16 November 2020
Motorists will enjoy safer and faster journeys between Sydney and Bomaderry earlier than expected, with the Albion Park Rail Bypass due to open mid next year.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the $630 million project was tracking more than 12 months ahead of schedule.
“I’m excited to announce that we’re delivering this project ahead of schedule and on budget, as it shows the community that we are serious about delivering for the South Coast, and doing it as soon as possible,” Mr Ward said.
“This demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to upgrading this section of the Princes Highway which will see the efficient movement of freight and reduce journey times for all motorists as well as returning the local streets to their local communities.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the project has been a huge boost for local jobs and the local economy.
“More than two million hours of work have been carried out on the bypass to date and about 2800 people have worked on the project since construction started, with more than 300 people working on site at the project’s peak and around 70 per cent of full time jobs going to local workers,” Mr Toole said
“The project has made use of extended work hours to deliver the upgrade more quickly than expected while significantly reducing construction impacts.
“This project is also going to be a game-changer for the community. The bypass will significantly reduce traffic through Albion Park Rail, with 65 per cent of vehicles expected to transfer onto the bypass once complete.”
The 9.8 kilometre bypass between Yallah and Oak Flats will complete the ‘missing link’ for a high standard road between Sydney and Bomaderry.
Two of the project’s 13 bridges are now open to traffic, with crews pushing on with work on other bridges as well as utility relocations and major earth and road work.
The next milestone on the project is the third East West Link traffic switch, currently scheduled for the end of this month.
For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/aprb.