Motorists are set to bypass Berry for the first time on Thursday night.
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The section of new Princes Highway is due to open to traffic, signalling the completion of the town bypass – 12 months ahead of schedule.
The exact opening time has not been disclosed, but the Mercury understands it should happen between 7pm and 9pm.
“This project has been talked about since 1955. People said it couldn’t be done,” said parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward.
“This upgrade gives the people of Berry back their town and will also improve road safety and travel times for motorists and pedestrian safety within the town.”
The official opening of the bypass has been scheduled for next week.
This upgrade gives the people of Berry back their town and will also improve road safety
- Gareth Ward
However, Mr Ward said the decision to open the new road to traffic on Thursday night was made to help alleviate school holiday congestion.
Work on the overall $580 million Foxground and Berry bypass project is ongoing.
Meanwhile, work on the Albion Park Rail bypass continues, Mr Ward said, with planning approval now expected later this year. Major work should start in 2019.
Elsewhere, money was allocated in this year’s NSW budget to build the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade of the Princes Highway, with major work there expected to start early next year.