Drivers have been advised of changed traffic conditions on the Princes Highway near Belinda Street due to “essential” road work.

Motorists are using one lane of the highway under the direction of traffic control after the past few days of heavy rain damaged an embankment which supports the side track on the Princes Highway.

Damage to the embankment has caused small cracks and rutting to appear on the road surface, reducing safety for motorists.

“The stability of the embankment has been assessed by geotechnical engineers and the condition of the road surface is being monitored by surveyors,” Kiama MP Gareth Ward said.

“Work to stabilise the bottom of the embankment with rock fill has been carried out.”

The changed traffic conditions are expected to be in place until at least next Tuesday, weather permitting, while work to build new road surface is carried out.

When complete, the highway will reopen to two lanes.

“Roads and Maritime has worked with the Environment Protection Authority to allow this work to be carried out around the clock to fix this issue as quickly as possible,” Mr Ward said.

Motorists are advised to plan their journey, allow extra travel time and obey all signs.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic app or phone the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.