Transport for NSW has already been addressing the impact the closure of Lawrence Hargrave Drive will have on residents with health issues.
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Wollongong City Councillor Leigh Colacino has raised concerns about residents in the Stanwell Park area who travel to Cronulla for medical treatment.
During the pair of planned one-month closures of the road between Stanwell Park and Bald Hill, these residents will have to travel south and then head north via Bulli Pass - adding an extra 80 kilometres to their trip.
Cr Colacino called on Transport for NSW to discuss the issue with NSW Health - something the body had already started doing.
"Transport for NSW has contacted NSW Health, local nursing homes and other health services and will work closely with these and other stakeholders who provide feedback on access to health services or treatments to consider their circumstances," a Transport for NSW spokeswoman said.
She added that schools in the area and emergency services have also been contacted and asked to provide feedback on the planned closure.
The window for public feedback on the closure was due to close this Friday but has been extended to August 30.
The feedback will be used to determine the best time to carry out the work; at this stage no firm dates have been set though the first closure is proposed during February and March with the second to take place during May or June.
"This information will also be used to help minimise the impact of the work as much as possible," the Transport for NSW spokeswoman said.
The spokesman admitted the closure is expected to have an impact on traffic on Lawrence Hargrave Drive throughout the northern suburbs.
"Around 4500 vehicles travel along Lawrence Hargrave Drive each day and some additional congestion may occur on the Princes Highway and Lawrence Hargrave Drive during peak times," the spokeswoman said.
"Transport for NSW will monitor traffic flow during the closure and implement necessary measures to manage traffic along detour routes.
"Motorists are encouraged to consider alternative transport options where possible during the closure."
Meanwhile, a Transport for NSW representative is attending the neighbourhood forum meeting at the Coalcliff Community Hall on August 28.
The spokeswoman said the representative will "provide publicly available information" about the closure.
"We will listen to all feedback and take on board additional feedback provided by the Coalcliff community neighbourhood forum," the spokeswoman 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.
