Jervis Bay: Flyover gets green light from locals as Princes highway upgrades gather steam

Plans to upgrade the Jervis Bay Rd intersection have received the green light from locals, as the state and federal governments splash $1.9 billion on upgrades to the Princes Hwy.

The long-awaited Jervis Bay Rd flyover has received the green light from locals, as the state and federal governments splash $1.9 billion on upgrades to the congested Princes Hwy.

A report released by Transport for NSW on Friday showed “overwhelming” support for the $125 million project, helping planners pass an important milestone two years after the project was first proposed.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Sam Farraway said feedback from the planning authority’s recent survey showed strong community support for the project.

“The community, businesses, and stakeholders had the opportunity to provide their thoughts and helped inform improvements to the design, which is now being progressed,” Mr Farraway said.

Transport for NSW’s proposal to include two roundabouts in a new flyover upgrade of the Princes Hwy, adjacent to Jervis Bay Rd. Picture: TfNSW

“Key changes to the intersection will involve realigning and widening the Princes Hwy and an overpass bridge over Jervis Bay Rd, which will provide a better connection for road users.”

TfNSW received 146 submissions providing feedback on the concept design and the environmental assessment throughout June and July 2021.

Of those respondents, 96 per cent either strongly agreed or agreed the proposal would improve safety, according to Mr Farraway. Another 89 per cent strongly agreed or agreed it would improve resilience, while 94 per cent strongly agreed or agreed it would improve efficiency.

Official design work on the project began last month after the development was awarded to Arcadis Australia Pacific Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Netherlands-based infrastructure and engineering firm Arcadis NV.

NSW Senator Perin Davey said the upgrade, including the flyover and roundabouts on either side, would make the intersection safer for all road users.

“This will improve freight productivity, efficiency and network reliability, reduce congestion and support the economic growth of the region,” Ms Davey said.

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said it was important for the community to provide input to ensure the design was right for the area.

“The community offered some great insights that have helped the project team make additions and changes to the project to better serve the local community,” she said.

“The South Coast is growing rapidly and the road infrastructure must keep pace with that growth.”

TfNSW received 146 submissions providing feedback on the concept design and the environmental assessment throughout June and July 2021. Picture: TfNSW

The project comes amid a raft of pre-election funding pledges and projects aimed at wooing voters in a region ballooning with interstate immigration.

In March, the Federal Government announced a cash splash for the Milton-Ulladulla bypass, which will connect with the Princes Hwy, bringing that project to almost $1 billion.

Since then, TfNSW has presented options for the Moruya Bypass south of Batemans Bay, while Liberal candidate Andrew Constance has pledged to provide funding for the first stages of the Nowra bypass.