An upgrade of Picton Road is the "most pressing" road project in the Illawarra, according to the Illawarra Business Chamber.
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The chamber had identified the need for work on the road in its pre-budget submission, based on research work commissioned from Veitch Lister Consulting (VCL).
"VCL's analysis established that it was critical that Picton Road be upgraded to motorway standard - two lanes in each direction, separated - in the immediate future, with a provision to upgrade to six lanes in the future," the IBC submission stated.
"VCL recommended that the project be completed by 2025, given that the road will reach its anticipated peak-hour capacity in 2022 and daily capacity in 2025."
The submission recognised that a combination of state and federal funding would likely be necessary to complete the Picton Road upgrade.
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When it comes to Mt Ousley Road - a key road out of the region - the IBC submission identifies the reliance on this route as a "vulnerability", as heavy vehicle movements grow at an average of 6 per cent annually.
The submission stated the increase in heavy vehicles, which use the left lane, reduced capacity on Mt Ousley for other vehicles to two lanes, and sometimes just one.
"During peak hour, the northbound volume on Mt Ousley is around 3400 vehicles, of which over 500 are heavy vehicles," it stated.
"On the three-lane sections this means that the left lane carries over 500 vehicles per hour, while the two outside lanes carry a total of 2900 vehicles.
"An average of 1500 vehicles per lane per hour on a steep grade represents a traffic flow that is close to capacity."
The submission acknowledged the work on the Mt Ousley interchange at the bottom of the hill but called for the state government to commit to funding detailed design work for the upgrade and incorporate extending the third lane on the southbound side.
When it comes to rail transport, the IBC championed its version of the Maldon-Dombarton line - the South West Illawarra Train Link (SWIRL) - which would carry passengers and freight.
"The IBC considers that investment in rail infrastructure should address freight and passenger movements to greater Sydney and that SWIRL represents the best option," the submission stated.
"To not act would be to the detriment of the economy and a lost opportunity."
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.
