The new-look Northfields Avenue footbridge over the M1 is open for business. Photo: NSW Government.
One stage of the $400 million Mt Ousley Interchange project has been completed – an upgraded pedestrian bridge over the M1 Princes Motorway.
Work started late last year to demolish the existing footbridge linking Wollongong TAFE to the University of Wollongong at Northfields Avenue.
The upgraded bridge includes a new, more accessible ramp that improves pedestrian access to the bridge by providing a gentler slope rather than a steep spiral ramp.
The new-look bridge opened on Monday (1 September) after nine months of work.
Major construction started in January, and more than 9000 hours of work have gone into the bridge. A total of 525 tonnes of concrete was required, along with 57 tonnes of reinforcement material and about 239 linear metres of new handrail.
In August, the NSW Government announced a pedestrian and active transport bridge had been reintegrated into the Interchange project after it was originally scrapped due to design issues and budget constraints.
The government provided $12 million for the pathway after a vocal outcry from the community, including IBUG, the Keiraville Residents Action Group and neighbourhood forum groups.
Wollongong MP Paul Scully said the Interchange was designed to improve safety and accessibility around Mt Ousley, “whether you are on a bike or driving a B-double”.
“It’s good to see accessibility improvements on the Northfields Avenue pedestrian bridge, improving the pedestrian and active transport connection between the University, TAFE, surrounding suburbs and Wollongong CBD,” he said.
Transport for NSW stated that progress on the Interchange during September would include the construction of a new heavy vehicle safety ramp, a heavy vehicle bypass, new bridges over the motorway, retaining walls, and drainage.
Lane closures and reduced speed limits will be in place at times during the work.
Visit Transport for NSW for the latest update on the Interchange.
