The final design for the new Batemans Bay bridge has been released – minus the permanent traffic lights that had been destined for the Kings Highway and Princes Highway intersection.
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In the new design, the traffic lights will only be employed at peak seasons when long queues have formed at the roundabout – and Kings Highway traffic will have dedicated lanes turning north and south.
Bega MP Andrew Constance announced the four-lane bridge final design on Monday, December 10 and said changes to the initial plan reflected community feedback.
“The detailed design for the Batemans Bay Bridge has been finalised and improvements have been made following community feedback," Mr Constance said.
"These improvements include additional lanes to the intersection of the Kings and Princes highways to improve traffic flow in peak periods, ensuring minimal impacts to the community and foreshore areas with a new work method and fewer piers in the water for better river flow, safer navigation and improved visual appeal.
"The foreshore space will also be developed to further improve access to the river."
The design includes a 3-metre wide cycle and footpath.
RELATED CONTENT: How the draft design compared
The project team will hold two drop-in sessions to answer questions about the design and discuss upcoming work.
Roads and Maritime Services information sessions will be held on Thursday, December 13, at Korners Park, North Batemans Bay, from 3pm to 6pm and Monday, December 17, at Clyde Street Park, near Innes Boatshed, Batemans Bay, between noon and 6pm.
Mr Constance said the $274 million NSW Government project would improve freight access and reduce traffic delays in peak periods.
The current lift-span bridge is more than 50 years old and breakdowns in recent years have caused long delays.
Geotechnical investigations on the foreshore and building the future site office and community information centre at the former bowling club site are underway.
Mr Constance said this early work site would be completed by early 2019 and would avoid the peak holiday period.
More information is now available online on access to the river for boats during construction.
This will include a temporary boat ramp, access for boat trailers and sufficient parking to the north-east of the bridge.
Major work will begin in early 2019.
“The community will be kept informed as the project progresses,” Mr Constance said.
The detailed design and more information on the changes to river access for boat users can be viewed online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/batemansbaybridge
More to come.
