The Australian Government is announcing an additional $65 million for the Nowra Bypass planning project, bringing the total joint commitment with the New South Wales Government to $105 million.
The additional funding will allow robust planning and preparatory works to occur on this priority project for the people of Shoalhaven.
A bypass is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel times, improve safety for all road users and increase amenity for the community and businesses of Nowra.
The $105 million Nowra Bypass planning project is being funded by both governments, with the Australian Government committing $97 million and the NSW Government $8 million.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said:
“Today’s announcement is an important step towards the planning for a bypass, which we know has been a priority for the area for some time.
“This is yet another example of the Australian Government working in partnership to address the critical transport infrastructure needs of the residents of the south coast.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:
“Locals across the South Coast know how much of a bottleneck the Princess Highway can become through Nowra, particularly during this busy summer holiday period.
“We want to make sure that commuters can travel as quickly and safely as possible across this beautiful region, spending less time sitting in traffic and more time with family and friends.
“The planning work already underway is an important step in making this long awaited bypass project a reality for the people of Shoalhaven.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:
“We are committed to working with the NSW Government to deliver good infrastructure investment that creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity.
“By easing traffic congestion and improving safety through Nowra, a bypass will improve the liveability and workability of the region – supporting freight, local businesses and tourism.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said:
“Since 2011, $5.15 billion has been committed to upgrading the Princes Highway from Albion Park to the Victorian border to bust congestion and make getting from A to B easier for families, truckies and other motorists who depend on this route.
“We’ve delivered an Albion Park Rail Bypass, the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade and the new Nowra Bridge is on track to open next year. A Nowra bypass is the next step in our plan to build the infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier for the South Coast community.”