At present there are no southbound on-ramps at any of the three M1 overpasses in the Dapto area.

The Kanahooka and Fowlers Road overpasses only have northbound on-ramps, while the Emerson Road overpass has no ramps at all.

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This has long left Dapto residents with two options to get motorway access - either head north to use thge Northcliffe Drive on-ramp, or head south along the highway until it eventually links up with the motorway.

The lack of on-ramps means Dapto residents will miss out on using the Albion Park Rail bypass when it opens - with no Yallah interchange, they will have to continue to drive along the highway.

The pressure for ramps has been growing, with an online petition so far gathering almost 1500 signatures.

Now Cr Martin and her Ward Three Labor running mate Linda Campbell plan on making this an issue heading into the local government elections in December.

"The Dapto community have been asking over an extended period of time for these ramps to be put in place," Cr Martin said.

"It's about getting access to the growing communities around Dapto and Haywards Bay. It's important that people do have access to the motorways and the areas around Dapto without having to travel how ever many extra kilometres.

"It's really an issue of equity, and it's also an issue of accessibility."

Cr Martin noted that the road reservations were still there and said the ramps "were always on the plan but they don't seem anywhere near to being built".

"it is kind of amazing that the Mt Ousley interchange has been funded, so they can fund things when it suits them," she said.

Transport for NSW is working on a strategic study of the M1 corridor between Mount Ousley and Yallah, which will include an assessment of the need for ramps at Kanahooka and Fowlers roads.

"Historically, reviews of land use and travel patterns in the area indicated that the existing ramps serving traffic travelling to and from the north were sufficient for most people's needs," a Transport for NSW spokesman said.

"It is expected that the most efficient way for Dapto residents to travel south will be through Albion Park Rail using the existing Princes Highway."

The Wollongong councillor acknowledged the ramps fell under state jurisdiction but said there were still actions the council could take.

"We just keep raising it and reminding Transport for NSW and the other state government agencies that we have expectations that our residents will be treated appropriately," she said.

"It is about advocacy and lobbying - our council officers make submissions constantly to various state government agencies."

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