It wasn't part of the plan but motorists told Transport for NSW anyway - build the Bulli bypass.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In June this year, Transport for NSW released its proposal to alleviate traffic congestion through Bulli, which included extending clearway hours along the Princes Highway, removing on-street parking in some areas and restricting right-hand turns off the highway.
Read more: Pandemic pressures hit Illawarra youth hard
One thing that was definitely not on the table was the long wished for extension of Memorial Drive up to Bulli Pass.
A recently released report on public feedback to the proposal classed it as an "out of scope suggestion".
That didn't stop around two-thirds of respondents calling for the road to be built.
A total of 65.2 per cent wanted the bypass - by far and away the most popular option. Traffic light phasing was the next closest with just 11.4 per cent.
"Bypassing Bulli by completing the Memorial Drive extension to Bulli Pass will have more of an impact on safety as well as traffic flow," a public submission stated.
"This would take a huge percentage of through traffic out of Bulli and make it safer for everyone."
The feedback report stated a transport corridor that could be used for a bypass was present on Wollongong City Council maps, but Transport for NSW didn't have construction plans on the horizon.
"Transport for NSW is aware of community support for an extension of Memorial Drive to connect to Bulli Pass, and thanks the community for its feedback," a Transport for NSW spokeswoman said.
"There are currently no plans to build this extension, however, land has been reserved should the need arise in the future."
The spokeswoman said the government department was focusing more broadly that one road project for the Bulli area.
"Transport for NSW is focused on providing locals with a more integrated transport solution by improving the existing road network, and bus and train services, as well as working with Wollongong City Council to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure," the spokeswoman said.
"Transport for NSW will continue to monitor the performance of the transport network, seek feedback from the community and, if required, determine the feasibility of an extension to Memorial Drive."
The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is funded by our readers. You can subscribe to support our journalism here.
Sign up for breaking news emails below ...
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.
