The development of a new Batemans Bay bridge will enter the next stage after feedback from community drop-in sessions revealed general support for a replacement bridge.
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Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) said about 240 people attended consultation sessions in August on the preferred option for the new bridge, with an additional 250 people responding to an online survey.
The RMS said feedback from the community consultation would be used to develop an environmental assessment and further refine the design of the bridge.
Community members were invited to give their feedback on the proposed demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a replacement four-lane structure to the west of the current bridge.
The proposed option would seek to address issues at the intersection of the Kings Highway and Princes Highway to the north of the bridge and would enable vehicles up to 26 metres in length to cross the river. The design would also include a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway.
Bega MP and Infrastructure Minister, Andrew Constance, said community feedback highlighted support for the proposal.
“Feedback from the community has been positive, with the majority agreeing traffic delays at the Princes and Kings Highway intersection need to be addressed,” Mr Constance said.
“More than 70 per cent of people believe a new four-lane bridge is needed now and in the future to improve their daily commute.
“Around 63 per cent of those surveyed on the preferred option agree the existing bridge should be recognised once it is removed and the new crossing opens.”
Mr Constance said the main topics raised by the community were the visual design, the Princes Highway and Kings Highway intersection and the timing of the project.
The environmental assessment is expected to be made public later in the year.
More information is available on the RMS website.