Upgrades to Picton and Appin roads are needed to improve the Illawarra’s connectivity to Sydney, according to Infrastructure NSW.
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The peak advisory body’s State Infrastructure Strategy said the Illawarra will “become more closely integrated with the economy of greater Sydney”.
It added that better road and rail connections were needed to ensure the region and Sydney could take advantage of the “major economic growth opportunities” offered.
“This means addressing congestion in and around Wollongong and the Illawarra escarpment, as well as resolving conflicts between passenger and freight train movements on the rail network,” the strategy said.
...further safety and design improvements will be needed [on Picton Road]
- State Infrastructure Strategy
This included further work on Appin and Picton roads.
While acknowledging the $53 million spent on improving Picton Road between 2009 and 2013, the strategy felt more needed to be done.
“To achieve the road’s full potential, further safety and design improvements will be needed,” the strategy said.
The strategy recommended the state government fund the Picton Road upgrades over the next five to 10 years.
It did not specify what work was needed on Appin Road.
The strategy also noted Port Kembla’s importance.
“Port Kembla’s importance as an international trade gateway will increase as it progressively serves as an overflow facility for Port Botany, with Port Botany expected to reach operational capacity after 2040,” it said.
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
