Shellharbour Council Infrastructure Services Director Ben Stewart, Mayor Chris Homer, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney, and NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison announce the next stage of the Tripoli Way project. Photo: NSW Roads.
First flagged in 1961, one of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects will soon be a reality with the final plans for the Tripoli Way extension revealed and progress underway to find contractors to fulfill the main works.
The long-awaited transformation of Tripoli Way is now one step closer, with the crucial project to ease congestion and future-proof the region’s fast-growing areas finally coming to fruition more than 65 years after it was identified as a need for the Shellharbour community.
The connection will bypass the Albion Park town centre with key features of the final design including a two kilometre corridor, 30 metre bridge over Hazelton Creek, three signalised intersections, four traffic lanes between Terry Street and Moles Street, two traffic lanes between Moles Street and Broughton Avenue, and connections to the Illawarra Highway delivered in collaboration with Transport for NSW.
“This is a major step forward for our community, and our people in Albion Park, Calderwood and Tullimbar have been waiting a long time to see it,” Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said.
“I understand the impact of congestion and pressure on our roads, and this project is about fixing that and making everyday trips safer and easier.
“As our community continues to grow, it’s critical we deliver the infrastructure to match. The Tripoli Way extension will help ease congestion, support local jobs and keep our region moving.”
The project has undergone multiple plans, consultations and designs since it was first on Shellharbour City Council’s agenda, but in recent years has finally pushed ahead with an additional $20 million boost by the NSW Government last August, bringing the state’s total contribution to $40 million since 2023, to help realise the full scope of the $74 million upgrade.
Early works, including electrical and utilities, have taken place over the past year, with council now progressing through the tender process with preferred contractors for the main construction works.
“The new Tripoli Way Road is one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects and it will improve safety, reduce congestion in Albion Park and Calderwood,” Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said.
“The extension will ease congestion at key choke points, reduce pressure on local streets and make it safer and easier for people to move across the city, while supporting a more accessible and connected Albion Park town centre while also supporting the housing crisis through the delivery of infrastructure for homes.”
Construction is set to begin later this year, with the project expected to be completed in late 2028.
More information and updates are available on Shellhabour Council’s Let’s Chat website.
