AT last, there is certainty about the location of the new Shoalhaven River crossing. It’s now official that it will go just west of the existing northbound bridge.
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It’s a decision that will not please everyone, one that seems to rule out any possible extension of the rail line from Bomaderry into Nowra, something Kiama MP Gareth Ward pushed for.
There is doubt, too, over the future of the iconic old iron bridge that has for more than 140 years defined the look of Nowra. While many in the community would like to see it stay, just how council and ratepayers would feel about paying for its upkeep remains to be seen.
The new bridge will come very close to the proposed new hotel, leaving the troubled caravan park on the eastern side free to keep operating or go on the market for potential redevelopment.
But let’s not dwell only on the questions; the certainty is a positive thing in many respects.
It means that work can begin to activate the riverfront, a long-held dream of Nowra. That activation would now seem more likely to focus on the area bounded by the caravan park, the Wharf Rd restaurant and the sailing club.
But before any of that happens, there is much planning work still to be done to make the new crossing a reality. There is also the issue of who will pay for it. With vast amounts of state money committed over the next few years to the highway upgrades north of Nowra-Bomaderry, considerable generosity will be required of the federal government. Whether that is forthcoming remains to be seen.
And that means talk of a completion date within five years seems a little fanciful for such a big project. Still, work has to start somewhere and this week’s location announcement is just that.
