The latest concept design and environmental assessment for the new Nowra Bridge across the Shoalhaven River has been revealed and includes three lanes turning south out of Illaroo Road and a dedicated left lane heading north.
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The $310 million project will see a new four-lane northbound bridge, replacing the original 137-year-old southbound iron Nowra bridge.
There will also be significant upgrades at Bolong, Illaroo and Bridge roads, to alleviate traffic congestion that occurs in this stretch of the Princes Highway.
The biggest change to the original concept plans is at Illaroo Road, where residents raised concerns about access onto the highway.
Now three lanes are proposed turning south and a dedicated left lane heading north.
There will also be two dedicated turning lanes from the highway west into Illaroo Road as well as three lanes continuing to travel south over what is now the current northbound bridge, which will convert to southbound traffic.
South of the bridge, Scenic Drive will be closed to traffic, removing the traffic lights, with an entrance onto the highway planned for further south.
The traffic lights at Bridge Road remain, but only as a right turn from the highway into Bridge Road.
The plans include new cyclist and pedestrian links, making the bridge much more user-friendly, while the old southbound Nowra bridge will also be retained and repurposed to improve pedestrian and cyclists access on the east of the highway.
The latests concepts are now available for review and public comment on the RMS website.
RMS has developed an interactive online portal for the community to find out more about the project.
You can interact with 3D versions of the concept design and learn about improvements to their journey times.
The interactive online portal is available at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/NowraBridge.
The project is jointly funded, with the NSW and Australian governments contributing $155 million each and is expected to be completed by early 2025.
RMS will also hosting five drop-in sessions between and September 1-13, regarding the project.
Sessions will be held at the Nowra School of Arts, Berry Street, Nowra on Saturday, September 1 between 11am and 3pm and Thursday, September 6 between 4-8pm.
At Stocklands Nowra, 60 East Street, on Thursday, September 13 between 4-8pm.
North Nowra Shops on Saturday, September 8 11am-3pm and Wednesday, September 12 11am-3pm.
Hard copies of the environmental assessment documents are also on display at Shoalhaven City Council, Nowra Library and TAFE NSW Nowra.
RMS is seeking feedback on the environmental assessment documents until Friday, September 28.
Feedback can be left on the interactive online portal website or written submissions can be emailed to NowraBridgeProject@rms.nsw.gov.au or mailed to Nowra Bridge Project, PO Box 447, Wollongong, NSW, 2520.
