More than 50,000 motorists who travel through the base of Mount Ousley each day are a step closer to safer and faster journeys with the award of the major contract to Fulton Hogan to design and build a new interchange.
The $390 million project is jointly funded, with the Federal Government committing $240 million and the NSW Government $150 million.
It will improve road safety by providing northbound access from Mount Ousley Road to the motorway via an overpass and will also provide better separation of cars and heavy vehicles.
When complete, the new interchange will include southbound heavy vehicle bypass lanes and safety ramps, a commuter carpark, and a shared path and vehicle overpass for improved access between Mount Ousley Road, M1 Princes Motorway and the University of Wollongong.
Detailed design work will start early in 2024. Transport for NSW and Fulton Hogan will work together throughout early work and the detailed design process to ensure the community continues to be informed about the project.
Early work will start in the coming months, including survey and geotechnical investigations, utility relocation and vegetation clearing.
Major work is expected to start in late 2024 and the project is expected to take about four years to complete, weather permitting.
“We are one step closer to starting major work on this critical piece of infrastructure, which will not only improve travel times for motorists but also provide safer journeys and support growing freight movements to the south coast,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
“This stretch of road is known for traffic queuing and delays during peak periods. Separating cars and heavy vehicles travelling southbound is a unique feature that will provide a safer environment for everyone using the road.”
State Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads, Anna Watson, said: “This project will boost the Illawarra economy, providing work and training opportunities for more than 450 people in the coming years.
“This funding investment recognises the importance of the region to the national economy.”
More information about the Mount Ousley Interchange can be found by clicking here.