New Batemans Bay Bridge welcomes first traffic
27 March 2021
The Batemans Bay community has marked the opening of the new bridge to traffic today with a community walk led by local emergency services.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the opening of the new bridge was an historic moment for Batemans Bay which will improve access along the Princes Highway and reduce traffic delays.
“It is now easier than ever to travel to and access the beautiful South Coast, providing an economic boost to our communities, and delivering a much-needed new link for the entire region,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Work to build the bridge has also contributed to the local economy with the project employing
around 1,000 people since major work started in 2019, with nearly half of them local to this area.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the bridge opening to traffic months ahead of schedule is a win for the entire community.
“This community walkover is a great opportunity to celebrate all the hard work that has gone into making this bridge a reality, and the difference it will make for future generations.”
“Replacing the old bridge means emergency services are no longer cut off when the bridge is raised, significantly improving response times during crises,” Mr Constance said.
“I’m also pleased we have been able to get the bridge open with a lane in each direction before the Easter break.
This time of year is really the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy some fantastic South Coast weather before winter so it’s great the bridge is ready in time,” said Mr Constance.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the bridge was one of the many game-changing projects transforming journeys on the Princes Highway.
“We know how important these projects are to driving investment and jobs into regional NSW, and that’s why we’re investing more than $4 billion along the Princes Highway,” Mr Toole said.
Princes Highway northbound traffic will be the first moved onto one lane of the new bridge followed a few hours later by the southbound traffic moving onto another lane.
The opening of the new bridge also signals the start of the removal of the existing bridge, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, at which time it is expected the new bridge will open to four lanes of traffic.
The NSW Government invested $274 million to replace Batemans Bay Bridge.