Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the section of road was infamous for traffic congestion during the summer holidays.

Last year, with work on the upgrade under way, traffic snaked back 13 kilometres from the Kiama bends.

‘‘I remember last Christmas having to catch the train back and forward from my office,’’ Mr Ward said.

‘‘It was the quickest way to get there. On one occasion I had to go via Robertson when I was in the car.’’

On Friday, the new southbound lanes between the Kiama bends and the Fern Street, Gerringong, intersection will be open for traffic.

Northbound traffic will continue to use the existing highway.

‘‘This is great news for the local community and will help to alleviate congestion in this area, especially in the busy Christmas holiday period ahead,’’ Mr Ward said.

Once southbound motorists reach the Fern Street intersection they will rejoin the existing highway.

Mr Ward admitted there was a possibility the traffic congestion would simply move from the bends to the Fern Street intersection.

‘‘That is a concern but because there is so much traffic that turns off at Gerringong, that will reduce the amount of traffic that is on the road.’’

There will be some changes to traffic conditions on the highway near Gerringong to prepare for the traffic change.

A temporary night-time road closure of access to and from the Princes Highway at Fern Street will be required on Wednesday and Thursday between 7pm and 6am to prepare for the changed conditions.

Motorists can use Belinda Street for access into and out of Gerringong during the night closure.

Mr Ward said there would also be some changes that local motorists needed to be aware of when the new lanes were opened.

“Motorists travelling from Fern Street to Kiama can travel north along Fern Street to the Rose Valley Road Bridge and use the northbound on ramp to access the highway,’’ he said.

“Motorists travelling north on the Princes Highway from Berry can access Gerringong at Belinda Street or use the northbound highway off ramp at Rose Valley Road and travel south on Fern Street.

“It is important that motorists travelling from Gerringong to Berry are aware to exit at Belinda Street, as there will be no access onto the Princes Highway at Fern Street for southbound motori