The federal government will be providing 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 for the upcoming bypass will allow further robust planning and preparatory works to occur.
“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,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“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.”
The new infrastructure is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel times, improve safety for all road users and increase amenity for the community and businesses.
“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,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
“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 Premier Dominic Perrottet said that the planning work for the bypass is already underway.
“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,” the NSW Premier said.
“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.”
Since 2011, $5.15 billion has been committed to upgrading the Princes Highway to decrease traffic congestion and make it easier for motorists to travel along the route.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway states that while the government has already delivered on other bypasses and bridges, more plans are underway to improve travel within the state.
“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,” he said.
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.
Source: Minister for Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government media release. Content has been edited for style and length.