Narooma Bridge and transport improvements

Thank you to all those who provided feedback during our recent consultation on Narooma Bridge and other transport improvements in and around Narooma. Consultation is now closed, and we are reviewing your feedback, which will be collated into the Consultation Summary Report.

As part of the project’s early planning, during June, we will carry out traffic surveys at various locations in the Narooma area. These surveys will include traffic counts at key intersections, queue length surveys, origin-destination surveys and travel time surveys.

Our traffic surveys will not impact travel or the transport network, but you may notice the installation of cameras and other equipment in the area during June.

Transport for NSW is in the early stages of planning for safety and efficiency improvements on the Princes Highway at Narooma.

Investigations include a feasibility study for the future of the Narooma Bridge.

Short-term initiatives could include intersection upgrades and other safety improvements on and around the Princes Highway at Narooma.

The aim of the feasibility study is to help identify ways to improve Narooma Bridge access and efficiency for heavy vehicles, while improving conditions on the Princes Highway for all users.

Short-term initiatives could be identified as part of the longer-term study that will take about two years to complete.

Initial planning for the project will involve identifying:

• opportunities to improve access and improve efficiency and safety outcomes for all road users
• pain points, travel needs and issues for the community when travelling in and through Narooma
• freight constraints and issues when accessing Narooma Bridge and the wider area.

What is the objective of the Narooma Bridge and transport improvements project?

Transport for NSW is carrying out early investigations to better understand the experience, needs and concerns of the community and wider stakeholders when moving in and around Narooma.
The project will also consider other transport improvements that could be made to improve safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times and amenity within the Narooma area. This includes congestion during peak periods, pedestrian and road user safety, walking and active transport options, and connectivity to shops and services in the Narooma area.

What is included in this study?

The Australian Government and NSW Government are jointly funding a feasibility study to inform plans for Narooma Bridge’s future, including initial assessment of options as part of future planning. As part of these investigations, we’d like to hear from the community and road users to better understand constraints, concerns and potential improvements on both the bridge as well as the wider Narooma transport network. The study and planning investigations will identify opportunities to improve access for heavy vehicles and improve efficiency and safety outcomes for all road users within Narooma.

Planning for the study is under way and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

When will consultation close?

Consultation will be open to 11:59pm Friday 31 May 2024 to ensure locals and visitors to the area have the opportunity to provide feedback.

How will the community be able to have their say?

Consultation will include an online feedback tool and face-to-face community drop-in sessions. Feedback can also be provided by email, phone and post to ensure all members of the community are able to have their say.
 
Will you hold any drop-in sessions?

Yes, face-to-face drop sessions will be held to ensure the community has the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.  Drop-in sessions will be held on:

• Saturday 4 May between 10am to 5:30pm at the Narooma Oyster Festival
• Thursday 9 May between 10am to 1pm at Narooma Plaza.

Is Transport planning on upgrading the intersection of Princes Highway and Field Street, Narooma?

Feedback from this consultation will help inform our plans for this intersection. We will keep the community updated if this project progresses.

Will maintenance on Narooma Bridge continue while investigations are carried out?

Yes. While investigating the long-term future of the bridge, Transport will continue to carry out maintenance and safety improvements to the bridge.

In May 2023, Transport upgraded the bridge to improve its safety and reliability for all road users. These upgrades included improving the safety barriers on the northern approach and relocating traffic lights to improve visibility in both directions.

In recent years, corrosion remediation work has been completed on the bridge and plans are in place for continued maintenance including further strengthening and repainting. The community will be informed as we progress these plans.

How will the community be involved in the development of the project?

Transport is inviting feedback from the community until 11.59pm Friday 31 May. The feedback received will help identify safety and efficiency improvements on and around the Princes Highway.

How long will this project take to complete?

Following the close of community consultation, a community feedback report will be drafted, considering all comments in full. The transport study is expected to take about two years to complete.

More information will be shared with the community as the project progresses.