Govt study finds 18 options to build a bypass of Picton

Tagged Corridor Nine, this proposed bypass route would be a new 2.1-kilometre two-lane, two-way road built between Remembrance Driveway - at a new intersection around 300 metres south of Wonga Road - and Picton Road 400 metres northwest of Maldon Bridge Road.

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It would feature three bridges, the highest around 38 metres above water level, and this route would come with a 60km/h speed limit.

A bypass of Picton would reduce congestion in the town, while providing an alternate route for heavy vehicles by linking Thirlmere and Tahmoor with the Hume Motorway via Picton Road.

All-up 18 potential routes were considered for the bypass, the shortest being 550 metres running parallel to Prince Street and Victoria Bridge (Corridor One)

Corridor 14 was one of the longest at around 5.5 kilometres and would connect to Picton Road just north of the Hume Motorway interchange.

These three options, as well as a 1.15-kilometre route leaving Picton Road at the last right-hand bend heading towards the township, were rated the top four options.

One key benefit of the chosen Corridor Nine option is the low level of property acquisition that would be required, impacting on just nine properties.

"In this aspect, Corridor Nine is assessed as having the lowest impact," the report stated.

"The majority of Corridor Nine is owned and managed by Sydney Water. We are working to understand impacts of the proposed corridor on water and land management for the area."

The same corridor was also judged the best in terms of connectivity to employment and shopping areas like Campbelltown and Camden, and could also provide better access out of the area in the event of a bushfire causing the need to evacuate Picton.

Wollondilly Mayor Robert Khan was pleased to see the Picton bypass project progressing.

"Wollondilly has been waiting for news on the Picton bypass for a long time and we are very pleased to see the release of the proposal," he said.

"I encourage all residents and road users to provide feedback to Transport for NSW on the recommended corridor bypass."

The proposed corridor for the Picton bypass is open for community feedback until February 22.

The report on the various corridor options considered can be read at nswroads.work/ pictonbypass.

Following this public feedback a final decision will be made on the route for the Picton bypass.

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