🏗️ Jervis Bay Road Upgrade: Regional Impact for Wollongong

While geographically located south of Nowra, at Falls Creek, the ongoing $164 million Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection upgrade carries significant regional importance for Wollongong residents and the wider South Coast. This major infrastructure project, managed by Transport for NSW, aims to deliver substantial benefits including enhanced safety, reduced congestion, and improved access to critical local roads and growing tourist and residential areas.

As part of the extensive work, night shifts will continue in October and March to minimise disruption. Travellers can expect Jervis Bay Road to be closed between 9 PM and 5 AM on specified nights, with detours in place. For northbound traffic, detours will involve Island Point Road, Grange Road, Hawken Road, and Pine Forest Road. Southbound traffic heading east will be redirected via Hawken Road and Pine Forest Road, potentially adding up to 15 minutes to travel times. Drivers are advised to allow extra time and adhere to reduced speed limits of 40 km/h where temporary lane or shoulder closures are in effect.

A key milestone involves the delivery and installation of eleven super-T girders, which will form the deck of the new bridge over Jervis Bay Road, over five nights. Additionally, resurfacing of southbound Princes Highway lanes and asphalt laying for the new eastern roundabout partial opening are planned.

The contract for the major construction was awarded to SRG Global Civil Pty Ltd (SRG) in October 2023. This upgrade is a crucial component of the broader $1.96 billion Princes Highway upgrade program, a joint initiative by the Australian and NSW Governments designed to improve critical transport links between Sydney, the Illawarra Region (including Wollongong), and the South Coast down to Victoria. The Princes Highway is vital for the South Coast's economy, serving over 500,000 locals and attracting nearly four million tourists annually.

The completed intersection will feature two lanes in each direction on the Princes Highway, longer entry and exit lanes, and free-flow traffic access. Furthermore, a multi-modal facility including bus bays, car parking, a kiss-and-ride facility, bicycle racks, bus shelters, and shared path connections will be integrated into the design. The project, which commenced major construction in early 2024, is anticipated to take approximately four years to complete, with an expected finish in late 2027. For local enquiries, the project maintains a postal address at PO Box 477, Wollongong NSW 2500.