Fowlers Road at Dapto is the preferred option for south-facing ramps onto the M1 Motorway. Photo: Transport for NSW.
The community is invited to learn more and share feedback on the selection of Fowlers Road as the preferred location for the new M1 south-facing ramps at Dapto.
Concept designs and environmental studies will soon be created for the ramps after Fowlers Road was named as the preferred site out of four potential locations for the new infrastructure.
Fowlers Road was deemed the best option over the other shortlisted location of Kanahooka Road, due to its central location which would support traffic demand, movement and travel times, as well as the alignment with broader community connectivity plans, optimal safety outcomes, better meeting environmental, sustainability and heritage criteria, having better access for emergency response, and likely to have the least impact while construction was underway.
Transport for NSW executive director Brendon James said the preferred option struck the right balance between improving connectivity and delivering strong outcomes for the community.
“We know how important reliable access to the motorway is for people living and working in Dapto and surrounding areas,” Mr James said.
“The Fowlers Road option would make it easier to get on and off the M1 Princes Motorway, reducing pressure on local roads and helping support the continued growth of the region.”
If the project commits to this preferred option, the Dapto community could soon see a northbound exit ramp, providing left and right turn options at an intersection with traffic lights at Fowlers Road; a southbound entry ramp, providing entry to the southbound direction of the M1 Princes Motorway from an intersection with traffic lights on Fowlers Road; an upgrade to the Princes Highway and Fowlers Road intersection to improve turning movements; and enhancement of active transport along Fowlers Road.
Although the decision was revealed in early April, Transport for NSW is now seeking feedback on the preferred option.
Drop-in sessions will be held at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre throughout May, giving community members the opportunity to speak to the project team.
“All feedback on the preferred option and the display of the future environmental assessment will be addressed in a determination report,” the latest community notification on the project states.
“We will continue to engage with the community as planning progresses and more information becomes available.”
Fowlers Road has been announced as the preferred option for the ramps. Photo: TfNSW.
The feedback will help inform project planning and help shape future stages, with impact and determination reports to be publicly available once they are completed.
“A concept design (showing how the preferred option could look and work) will be developed,” the update states.
“Further environmental studies will be carried out to help refine the design, including noise modelling, Aboriginal and cultural heritage studies, site surveys and geotechnical investigations.
“Timing and funding of construction are not confirmed and staging options for delivery will also be considered through the next stage of the project. The project is being considered alongside other priority projects across the state.”
The $30 million planning stages of the project are currently funded jointly by the state and federal governments, however there is no funding allocated as yet for construction.
A number of properties will need to be acquired for the project to proceed and Transport for NSW says it will “continue discussions with potentially impacted property owners to provide the necessary support as the project progresses”.
The community is urged to book a drop-in session at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, 93-109 Princes Highway, Dapto, at one of the following times and dates to stay involved, however there is currently no formal presentation planned.
- Tuesday 12 May, 2 to 4 pm
- Wednesday 13 May, 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- Thursday 21 May, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
- Friday 22 May, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Saturday 23 May, 10 am to noon
For more information on the project, drop-in sessions or how you can provide feedback contact the project team on 1800 312 766 or at [email protected]. A preferred option report is available here.
