CONCEPT plans for the upgrade of the notorious Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection, south of Nowra have been released, with the community being invited to provide feedback.
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Transport for NSW has released the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept design for the proposed intersection upgrade, with work on track to start in late 2022.
The plans were revealed by Transport for NSW, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock on Friday (June 18) .
There has been a strong community campaign, led by in particular the Vincentia Matters Group, for changes to the intersection, which has been the site of numerous accidents over the years and is also seen as a major choke point for motorists attempting to gain access from the Bay and Basin back onto the Princes Highway.
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The community's campaign for a preferred flyover approach for the location has been accepted.
The unveiling of the new plans was part of a trio of Princes Highway announcements.
It was also announced the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass will be to the west of the townships on the route that was originally favoured by Transport for NSW and listed in the Shoalhaven City Council Local Environmental Plan in 2013 and news on the proposed upgrade of the highway between JB Road and Sussex Inlet.
The intersection upgrade at Falls Creek formed part of the Australian and NSW Governments' $1.87 billion towards the upgrade of the Princes Highway from south of Nowra to the Victorian border.
"We're working hard to upgrade the Princes Highway because we know it will be a game-changer for locals, freight operators and tourists who all use this corridor regularly," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack.
"This is a massive infrastructure investment that will transform journeys along the South Coast in the same way the Pacific Highway upgrade has transformed the state's North Coast."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said working closely with the local community would ensure the upgrade meets the needs of all road users.
"We called for community feedback twice last year, in March and November, because public input helps us deliver the best outcome for locals," Mr Toole.
"They told us they wanted a flyover with roundabouts on Jervis Bay Road, either side of the highway - and we've listened, making improvements to the design, including to local roads and active transport options.
Feedback on the REF and concept design will help determine the final design for the intersection upgrade, which has been designed to deliver safer, more reliable, more efficient and more resilient journeys while enhancing the liveability and economic growth of the Bay and Basin region.
It will also provide safer and easier access to and from the growing residential areas and popular tourism hotspots of Jervis Bay.
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said recent consultation had shown the community was strongly supportive of the preferred flyover approach.
"We received more than 220 comments on the preferred option - and more than 96 per cent agreed it would improve safety, 95 per cent agreed it would improve reliability and reduce congestion, and 90 per cent agreed it would improve resilience of the transport network," Mrs Hancock said.
"This is much more than just an intersection upgrade for our community.
"It also includes planning for a future multi-modal transport facility to deliver more equitable and safer access to public transport, improve regional transport services, and provide more supply of bus stops and parking facilities to better meet the needs of all transport customers."
Locals have until Sunday, July 18 to provide feedback on the next stage of plans.
Four community information sessions are also planned, where the community is invited to meet the Transport for NSW project team.
The sessions will be held on -
Tuesday, July 6, 2pm to 6pm at the Huskisson Community Centre, Dent Street, Huskisson.
Thursday, July 8, 9am to 12pm, Vincentia Public Hall, Wood Road, Vincentia.
Saturday, July 10, 8am to 12pm, Falls Creek Public School.
Sunday, July 11, 8am to 1pm, Huskisson Markets, Huskisson sports ground.
These face-to-face sessions will operate under COVID-19 protocols and bookings are essential.
You can visit nswroads.work/jervisbayroad for session details and bookings, and also to view the concept design and have your say.
The community is also invited to join an online Q and A session on Facebook Live on the NSW Roads Facebook page with the project team on Friday, July 2, from 12.30pm to 1pm.
The latest consultation report on the project is available at nswroads.work/jervisbayroad.