Now tagged SouthConnex, the extension has been made the number one priority of the NRMA, which has called on state and federal governments to join together to see work start.

Illawarra First, an initiative of the Illawarra Business Chamber, has backed the move, saying it was vital to improve infrastructure links to Sydney.

“More than 20,000 of the Illawarra’s working population commute outside the region for work,” said Illawarra First executive director Chris Lamont, who tagged the road project as “a game changer”.

“On top of this we know there are more than 10,000 workers travelling to the Illawarra each day for work.

“The productivity and energy of this workforce is reduced by extended and unnecessarily long travel times.”

As well as improving the lot of commuter traffic, Mr Lamont said SouthConnex also had benefits for road freight, as well as for investment in the region.

The extension has been talked about since 1954 but Mr Lamont said it was now time for action.

“We don’t need another 50 years of discussion,” Mr Lamont said.

“This is a project that is vital for the continued economic development of both NSW and the Illawarra.

“The myriad bottlenecks will only get worse if nothing is done.”