For all of 2017 Roads and Maritime Services has said it had “targeted” planning approval by the end of the year.

This came after RMS had been targeting approval in 2016 – which did not happen.

Now, with less than two weeks until the end of the year, and the government due to go into "shutdown” mode before then, it’s unclear if the date will be pushed back again.

It is equally unclear what effect – if any – a delay in planning approval will have on the start date for constructing the bypass, which is scheduled for early 2019.

READ MORE: Delay in bypass planning approval

The Mercury had sought comment from RMS without success, however Parliamentary Secretary for the South Coast Gareth Ward said last week he would “ensure the bypass is delivered on time”.

Also seeking an answer is Shellharbour MP Anna Watson, who has written to Roads Minister Melinda Pavey to find out whether the 2017 deadline will be met.

“As there is now less than 10 working days until the 2017 Christmas shutdown, and with the previous planning approval deadline move from 31 December 2016 to ‘late 2017’ last year, my community is understandably concerned with the impact another delay will ultimately have on the project as a whole,” Ms Watson wrote.

“Consequently, I ask will planning approval for the Albion Park Rail Bypass project be granted before the end of 2017 and if a further delay is now expected, for what reasons has this delay occurred?”

Ms Watson claimed her constituents wanted to know what was going on.

“This is a project that has already suffered an embarrassing delay in planning approval and is now a full year behind schedule,” Ms Watson said.

“My community deserves to know what the hold-up is.

“These are deadlines and promises this government are setting for themselves; and they’re still breaking them.”

Ms Pavey’s office was contacted for comment, but questions were passed onto RMS.

Their response, which arrived after deadline, can be read here.