Geotechnical investigations for the new Nowra bridge have got underway this week as planning and design work powers ahead on the crossing of the Shoalhaven River.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just last week Infrastructure Australia upgraded the $342 million crossing of the Shoalhaven River to a "priority project".
Fulton Hogan was in February announced as the winning contractor for the long-awaited bridge upgrade.
Now a barge with drilling equipment is carrying out investigations on the Shoalhaven River, while work is also being staged on the southern side of the river in Moorhouse Park.
The demolition of properties and structures on Illaroo Road, to allow the construction of a permanent north turning lane, has also started and will continue over the next three months.
Work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.
Read more:
Some out of hours work may be required to reduce the impact to traffic flow and the community will be notified in advance of this work.
Transport for NSW will make every effort to minimise disruption by scheduling noisier activities earlier in the night.
Where possible, they will use temporary noise shielding, position equipment away from properties and turn off machinery when not in use.
Residents will have access to and from their properties at all times.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said early works signalled the project was on track, with utility and geotechnical investigation work currently being carried out.
"Locals will already be seeing crews drill holes in the road for the testing of soil, rock and pavement samples," Mr Ward said.
"This is an exciting win for the region, and we can expect to see major work start in the second half of 2020, with an anticipated completion date of mid-to-late 2024."
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said the Nowra bridge project would change the way motorists move in and around the region.
"This project is an important part of infrastructure needed to support growing areas like Nowra," Mrs Hancock said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would help locals and tourists reach their destinations sooner and safer.
"More than 50,000 vehicles cross the Shoalhaven River every day, so this new bridge will both address current congestion issues and also cater for future traffic growth," Mr McCormack said.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the work was part of getting on with the job of connecting communities and improving safety for everyone on the road.
"Significant upgrades at key intersections will alleviate congestion and ensure safer and more reliable journeys for all motorists using this key South Coast tourist and freight corridor," Minister Toole said.
NSW Senator Jim Molan said investing in the $342 million four-lane bridge would improve traffic flow on this busy section of the Princes Highway.
"I spend a lot of time driving around NSW and it's fantastic to see so much construction under way right across the state," he said.
"While frustrating at times, roadworks are actually a good thing because it means our road network is becoming safer."