Karrara Bridge on Fowlers Rd, which opened in 2020, ensures flood-reliable access to the West Dapto community. The road will now be upgraded between Fairwater Drive and Cleveland Road.
Major upgrades to Fowlers Road between Fairwater Drive and Cleveland Road have begun.
The works are stage one of an upgrade to Cleveland Road and include road widening, new shared paths, stormwater works, street lighting and tree planting to improve access for traffic and pedestrians.
More than 400 metres of road will be widened from two to four travel lanes, including kerb and gutter construction, stormwater drainage, and street lighting.
The existing shared path on the eastern side of the road will be upgraded and a new shared path will be built on the western side of the road.
A traffic control plan is in place to manage pedestrian and vehicle access. There will be changes to speed limits and some minor delays may be experienced to allow for truck and construction vehicle access.
Fowlers Road will remain accessible to through traffic and a designated pedestrian path will be in place for the duration of the works.
The upgrades to key access roads are part of Wollongong City Council’s West Dapto Access Strategy and will provide options for public transport, pedestrians and active transport users as well as for private vehicles.
The project is co-funded by Wollongong City Council and a $20.03 million funding contribution from the NSW Government’s Housing Acceleration Fund.
Wollongong’s Lord Mayor Tania Brown said housing development at West Dapto was essential to house Wollongong’s growing population.
“It is important that the delivery of essential road infrastructure is carefully planned and carried out, and that we complete these works in a timely and safe manner,” she said.
“We appreciate the patience of residents while we deliver this much-needed infrastructure for the long-term benefit of their community.
“We’re immensely grateful for the funding support of the NSW Government to ensure we continue moving toward realising our vision for West Dapto over the coming years.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said this was one of several upgrades underway across the Illawarra that would provide critical road infrastructure to support housing growth.
“It’s great to see boots on the ground to deliver this crucial road upgrade which will make sure West Dapto’s community is well connected to major arterials like the M1 and Princess Highway.
“Expanding the capacity of Fowlers Road will be a crucial part of unlocking West Dapto’s potential and paving the way for 3000 new homes.”
