The early stages of M1 Princes Motorway upgrade that will lead to at least six metres lopped off both ends of the Big Dipper are under way.
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From Monday, geotechnical investigations and survey work will take place along the motorway, from the Picton Road intersection to Bellambi Creek.
The work is to assist in the planning of a substantial upgrade of the motorway.
The work will include adding an extra lane in both directions between Picton Road and Bellambi Creek and realigning the tight curves at either end of the section of road colloquially known as the Big Dipper.
Part of the realignment will see the hills at either end of the Big Dipper cut down by between six and eight metres.
This is the first stage of the upgrade, with a second stage planned for the stretch of the motorway from Bellambi Creek to Bulli Tops, which also includes adding extra lanes and changing tight curves.
Exploratory work on the first stage began on Monday and will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am and 1pm on Saturdays through to April 7.
“The geotechnical investigation work involves drilling boreholes and excavating test pits into the ground within the project area where soil and rock samples are collected for testing," a Roads and Maritime Services spokesman said.
“Survey work involves placing markers into the ground as reference points to help guide the upgrade design.
“This investigation work will be carried out in the project area, next to bushland.”
During the work, a southbound lane will be closed for a short time outside peak hour near Cataract Creek, with a reduced speed limit of 40km/h in place.
Parliamentary Secretary for the South Coast Gareth Ward said the motorway upgrade will benefit all road users.
“It will improve safety by separating slow and fast moving vehicles, reducing bends and improve travel times with the extra lanes,” Mr Ward said.
“The motorway upgrade will improve safety by separating slow and fast-moving vehicles, reducing bends and improve travel times with the extra lanes,” Mr Ward said.
“The upgrade will also improve freight productivity by improving access in and out of the Illawarra.”