State Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson at Kanahooka Rd, one of three sites earmarked as options for south-facing M1 ramps at Dapto. The NSW Government has pledged additional funds to continue design work on the ramps. Photo: Supplied.
Improved connectivity for the Dapto community is one step closer with an additional $10 million funding boost announced towards providing south-facing ramps on the M1 Princes Motorway.
The 2025-26 NSW Budget will include the new cash injection to continue the design and delivery of the ramps, with the preferred option and location of the new infrastructure set to be revealed later this year.
“The proposed M1 ramps at Dapto are a major step forward in making our road network more efficient, and safer for the entire community,” NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said.
“We know how important it is for communities like Dapto to have a network that will support growth and accessibility.
“These kinds of upgrades will help unlock long-term benefits for commuters in the Illawarra region.”
This latest boost brings the total amount committed to the project to $30 million, including the $10 million the Federal Government announced in March, and will be used to complete a full business case, undertake property acquisitions and begin early works ahead of future delivery.
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said: “I know the Dapto community is frustrated with having to double back and forth just to travel south on the M1 – this tripling of the funding shows the Minns and Albanese governments are committed to delivering on this project.”
Three options have been considered for the location of the new ramps. Image: Supplied.
South-bound ramps will aim to improve accessibility across the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, which is expected to grow by around 100,000 people by 2041. That growth will increase the total population to more than half a million and deliver new demands on the transport network.
Almost half of that growth is expected in the West Dapto area.
Congestion was already a concern with many Dapto residents trying to access the M1, some travelling through six sets of traffic lights along the main stretch before reaching the motorway.
Kanahooka, Fowlers and Emerson roads were all earmarked as potential options for the south-facing ramps, with initial community consultation undertaken at the end of 2023 through to early 2024, which saw more than 4000 feedback submissions received.
“These improvements will significantly cut travel times and make it easier for locals to get to work, do the school run, and access essential services across the region,” Ms Watson said.
The 2025-26 Budget is set to include $37.2 billion over four years for transport and roads infrastructure and services across regional areas in NSW.
Transport for NSW is finalising the preferred option and location, which will then be released to the community for feedback.
For more information on the project, visit the Transport for NSW website.
