Transport for NSW reveals why Moruya bypass could cost in excess of $1.7 billion

A former NSW minister has urged the state government to “show some respect”, following revelations it is set to cost nearly $2 billion to build a bypass.

The proposed 9km bypass would be built around Moruya. Pictures: Transport for NSW, Google Maps

A former NSW transport and infrastructure minister has accused the state government of treating a south coast community “like mugs”, following revelations it is set to cost nearly $2 billion to build a major bypass.

The Moruya bypass was first proposed more than two years ago, with three possible routes — labelled purple, orange and yellow — presented to the community for feedback.

The bypass was proposed to create an extension off the Princes Hwy and ease traffic congestion around the town of 4200 people, and to connect the highway to the upcoming Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

Transport for NSW recently revealed its chosen route, which would be a two-lane, 9km bypass around Moruya.

It also revealed the proposal would have a construction cost “in excess of $1.7 billion”.

Transport for NSW selected the orange route following 1300 community submissions. Picture: Transport for NSW

A spokeswoman for Transport for NSW said the price tag was calculated based on “all aspects of the project from final design, development and management to contractor costs such as road and bridge construction and materials”.

The spokeswoman also said the bypass project would result in the construction of the longest road bridge in NSW.

Moruya, on the NSW south coast. Picture: Transport for NSW

“The 9km-long Moruya bypass is a significant and complex infrastructure project, which among other features would see the construction of the longest road bridge in the state,” she said.

“The bridge would cross the flood-plain and Moruya River and span from north of Dooga Creek to south of South Head Rd, as well as a bridge over Malabar Creek.

“Construction of the 3.8km bridge comes with increased complexities, longer timeframes and cost, due to the methodology required to build in a flood-plain with soft soil.”

The Transport for NSW spokeswoman said rising construction and material costs would also impact the project.

Former NSW transport and infrastructure minister Andrew Constance. Picture: File

Former NSW transport and infrastructure minister Andrew Constance said the $1.7 billion price tag was too high, noting as minister he constructed a number of similar infrastructure projects below $1 billion.

He said the larger Albion Park bypass was constructed for only $630m, while the Batemans Bay Bridge was built for $270m.

“Stop treating the people of Eurobodalla like mugs and show some common sense and respect,” he said.

“Build the bypass affordably on a shorter route.”

Mr Constance compared the proposed figure to the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, a major level four medical facility currently being constructed at a cost of $330m.

The orange route was selected among a total of three routes. Picture: Transport for NSW

“For [the bypass] price, you could build a level four hospital at Mogo, Broulee, Surf Beach, Batemans Bay and Durras,” he said.

A spokesman for community organisation Moruya Bypass Action Group said the preferred route was not the right one, noting there were shorter and cheaper alternatives.

“These are shorter and have far fewer impacts on people, property, agricultural land and the environment,” he said.

“They would also be less costly, use fewer resources and be less disruptive than the orange route.”

While the alternative options would be shorter in length, they would be closer to the Moruya township.

Each option also includes the construction of a new bridge across the Moruya River.

The Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the orange corridor was picked following the more than 1300 community submissions.

“During the option assessment process, Transport for NSW considered community and stakeholder feedback and made refinements to the orange corridor,” she said.

“These refinements resulted in the corridor moving slightly to help reduce impacts to coastal wetlands, properties and local amenity, which the community had flagged as a priority during feedback.”

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