15 August 2024

UPDATED: M1 Motorway closures for Mt Ousley Interchange works postponed

| Jen White
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Site shed sets up for road workers.

Site offices and sheds have been built for workers on the Mt Ousley Interchange. Photos: TfNSW.

UPDATED 15 August: Transport for NSW has postponed the planned closures of the M1 Princes Motorway on 19, 21, 26 and 28 August. It will advise of new dates in coming weeks. However, regular maintenance work will result in night closures of the M1 between Bulli Tops and Memorial Drive on Sunday 18 and Sunday 25 August between 8 pm and 4 am. Picton Road between the M1 and Almond Street at Wilton will also be closed at the same times.

UPDATED 23 JULY: Transport for NSW has advised the M1 Princes Motorway will be closed to all traffic on 18, 19 and 21 August and again on 25, 26 and 28 August. In the event of bad weather, the cancellations will be rescheduled for the following fortnight.

The M1 Princes Motorway will be closed to all traffic for a number of nights in August to allow work on the Mt Ousley Interchange.

The first of multiple night closures of the M1 Princes Motorway, Mount Ousley Road at the intersection with the M1, and Picton Road will involve consecutive full night closures within a three-week period.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says the dates are yet to be confirmed but will be advertised at least two to three weeks prior to the closures.

The $390 million project to improve the region’s “economic artery” will replace the existing intersection of the Princes Motorway and Mt Ousley Road, removing the dangerous right-hand turn heading north across three lanes of traffic.

READ ALSO Fulton Hogan wins bid for long-awaited Mt Ousley Interchange project

More than 50,000 vehicles travel on the M1 through the area each day, with heavy vehicles making up about 15 per cent of the total.

TfNSW says night work minimises traffic disruptions and ensures the safety of workers.

Workers laying pipes.

Workers carry out underbore works in preparation for the interchange, and below, relocation of utilities.

During the closures, the following detours will be in place:

  • Light and heavy vehicles less than 19 metres long and under 50 tonnes, travelling between Wollongong and Bulli Tops, can detour via Memorial Drive and Bulli Pass.
  • Heavy vehicles more than 19 metres long will not be able to access Bulli Pass and are advised to delay their journey.
  • Road users travelling between Wollongong and the Hume Motorway can detour via Memorial Drive, Bulli Pass, Appin Road, or the Illawarra Highway (Macquarie Pass). Light vehicles can also detour via Wilton Road (Broughton Pass).

READ ALSO Letter from the Editor: 10 million reasons why the South Coast rail line needs action, not more reports

TfNSW says construction activities will be staged to minimise impacts on road users and residents, however there will be some temporary impacts, including:

  • The right turn from Mount Ousley Road onto the motorway (northbound) will be closed at times. Temporary detours will be in place and clearly signposted
  • Two lanes of traffic will be kept open in both directions on the M1 Princes Motorway during the day. Reduced speed limits may be in place
  • Night work will be carried out when required and will include reduced speed limits and lane and shoulder closures
  • The commuter car park on Mount Ousley Road is expected to be closed during construction. Dates will be advised in advance of closures.

Motorists who want to stay informed about upcoming closures should visit the project website to register for email and SMS updates. To contact the project team, phone 1800 792 918 or email [email protected]

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