(From left) Member for Keira Ryan Park, Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson, Planning Minister and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully and Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown at West Dapto Road. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
The transformation of West Dapto Road from a rural road to a four-lane carriageway with a shared pathway and pedestrian bridge is about to begin.
A contribution of $26 million from the NSW Government means Wollongong City Council will be able to begin work on the upgrade in late April.
Works will include an upgrade of the Shone Avenue and West Dapto Road intersection, a new shared path with a pedestrian bridge, new road pavements, stormwater drainage, extensive services relocation, line marking, landscaping, signage, and road infrastructure.
Planning is underway to minimise the project’s duration and reduce any associated road closures.
At Wongawilli on Friday (21 March), Planning Minister and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said the infrastructure was critical for the area’s future.
“This is one of our fastest-growing areas outside of West Sydney,” he said.
“Rather than waiting years after homes are built for infrastructure, we are excited to announce this upgrade to an important connection between all parts of West Dapto.
“This is an important piece of the complete infrastructure puzzle not just for present homes but for the future homes that will be built in this great location.
“I know council have big, ongoing plans for this area around transport, and we will continue to work with them to make sure local families can get around, get to work, get the kids to school without being stuck in traffic.”
The road will be temporarily closed from mid-year during construction.
Detours will be put in place for residents of Wongawilli, Stream Hill and Horsely.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said she knew the closure would be difficult for residents, but it would get the project finished 10 weeks earlier and make it much cheaper.
“This is a huge investment in the area and to get this infrastructure in place ahead of the housing is vital,” she said.
“We know this is going to cause some angst for residents as it happens, but it’s short-term pain for long-term gain.”
More information about the closure will be available once the timing and duration are locked in.
The council has completed a detailed analysis of alternative routes to minimise inconvenience for residents who regularly use this section of West Dapto Road.
Primary detour routes will be via: Fairwater Drive/Fowlers Road with M1 access, or Bong Bong Road (no trucks), the Princes Highway (northern access) and Darkes Road (no trucks).
The council is also working with Transport for NSW and Premier Bus Services to review services to all areas, including Stream Hill, and to develop alternative routing for school services.
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said she was delighted to see fast-tracked delivery of the project to meet the needs of the growing community.
“This upgrade will not only make life easier for existing residents of the Wongawilli area, but also for those looking to move into this beautiful part of the Illawarra in the coming years,” she said.
Wollongong City Council staff working on this project will also be available to share information and answer questions at the council’s Let’s Chat Dapto event on 27 March at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, with interested community members free to drop in any time from 3:30 to 6 pm.
Loading ...
