First segment launched for the new Nowra Bridge
19 June 2021
Work on the Nowra Bridge project is moving ahead with the launch of the first bridge deck segment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $342 million project would improve traffic flow and ease congestion on the Princes Highway.
“The new Nowra Bridge is a game-changer for the South Coast and the people who live, work and visit the Nowra area, by supporting 300 jobs during construction and delivering a safer, less congested road network when it’s finished,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The new Nowra Bridge will not only deliver another four-lane crossing of the Shoalhaven River, but will also upgrade intersections and access on either side.
“The Australian Government has also invested a further $1.4 billion into upgrades along the Princes Highway Corridor, including $900 million in New South Wales, demonstrating our commitment to the broader upgrade of this key freight, commuter and tourist route.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new bridge would improve traffic flow on the Princes Highway and deliver faster and more reliable journeys around Nowra and Bomaderry.
“More than 50,000 vehicles cross the Shoalhaven River every day, so the impact of a third river crossing is huge, boosting productivity for local businesses, eliminating congestion and ensuring a safer crossing for everyone,” Mr Toole said.
“Since 2011, the Australian and NSW Governments have invested $2.5 billion to upgrade the Princes Highway from Sydney to Nowra, including the New Nowra Bridge, with $1.87 billion in funding now driving upgrades from south of Nowra to the Victorian border.
“This is an unprecedented level of investment in the South Coast, and it’s changing lives while it transforms communities, delivering safer, faster and more reliable travel to one of NSW’s fastest growing areas.”
Senator for NSW Perin Davey said the new bridge would provide easier access for emergency services and community facilities.
“Last year’s bushfires showed just how important access up and down the Princes Highway is, and the new bridge will further support access down the Shoalhaven and the South Coast,” Senator Davey said.
“The Nowra Bridge project is also stimulating the local economy, which is critical to helping these communities rebuild.
“It will support local contractors and businesses involved in the project, and drive local retail and hospitality by having hundreds of additional workers in the area.”
State Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said work is processing well, despite recent rain events.
“The community is so excited to see the vision for this new bridge come to life and work is powering ahead,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Crews have already installed 23 casings for the piles and are currently installing piles in the river which are up to 60 metres long, making this job a substantial task.
“There will be 19 bridge deck segments in total for the new bridge, which when complete, will be around 360 metres long and be a huge boost for travel in and around Nowra.”
For more information, visit nswroads.work/NowraBridge.