Substantial improvements to the main route in and out of the Illawarra are a step closer.
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But we’re at least four years away from being able to drive on the new stretches of road.
In November last year the state and federal governments each contributed $42 million for major work on the M1 Princes Motorway from the Picton Road intersection to Bulli Tops.
The work includes providing three lanes in both directions as well as realigning the road to reduce the curves at either end of what is colloquially known as the big dipper.
Work on the curve realignment will involve cutting through rock, to a depth of around 14 metres.
Roads and Maritime Services has now released the preferred option for the first stage of the project – from Picton Road to Bellambi Creek.
“The preferred options have been developed based on a range of technical and environmental considerations,” a Roads and Maritime Services spokesman told the Mercury.
“The preferred option would involve the upgrade and widening of the motorway to provide a six-lane divided road between the Picton Road interchange and Bellambi Creek.
“This will improve safety by separating slow and fast-moving vehicles, reducing bends and improve travel times with the extra lanes.
“It would also improve freight productivity by improving access in and out of the Illawarra.”
The Review of Environment Factors into the first stage states work was likely to begin in 2018 and take two years to complete.
The curve realignments will form a major part of the project, requiring cutting a road through rock up to 475 metres long and to a depth of 14 metres.
Work on stage two – from Bellambi Creek to Bulli Tops – will begin after stage one.
However the planning for the second stage will take place at the same time as stage one.
The Roads and Maritime Services’ preferred option and Review of Environmental Factors are on display for public comment until February 3.
