The NSW Government has announced funds to investigate a connection between the Illawarra Highway at Albion Park and the M1 at Yallah. Photo: Keeli Royle.
The NSW Government has announced it will spend half a million dollars to investigate a new transport corridor to link Albion Park and Calderwood with Yallah and the M1.
An explosion of development in western Illawarra suburbs will need additional infrastructure to connect it with the rest of the region and beyond.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson confirmed they would seek to identify a potential transport corridor between the Illawarra Highway at Albion Park and the M1 at Yallah.
The corridor would need to fit in with the complex jigsaw of transport works already flagged for the surrounding area, such as new south-facing ramps onto the M1 from Dapto, connections with the proposed Yallah interchange, and the extension of Tripoli Way at Albion Park.
“This investigation doesn’t replace the need for other planned upgrades through Albion Park, and the study into a potential corridor will assess its compatibility with current commitments,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
“The proposed corridor would support predicted growth of around 11,000 dwellings in the southern portion of the West Lake Illawarra Growth Area, including Calderwood and Albion Park, with improved access to the M1 Princes Motorway.
“Transport for NSW is also exploring other solutions to improve congestion in Albion Park but is not able to share more at this time.
“Investigations will be carried out in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years and will be shared with local councils to inform future planning.”
The Transport for NSW spokesperson said dedicated bus and cycling infrastructure would be considered as part of the new road to reduce the reliance on private vehicles.
At the moment there are limited active or public transport options for residents in western parts of the Illawarra, leaving residents of the new subdivisions reliant on cars.
Funds for the investigation will come through the State Voluntary Planning Agreement Funding Program (SVPA Funding Program), as the NSW Government has identified Shellharbour as a key growth area.
The SVPA Funding Program was established to support the delivery of public amenities and services, affordable housing, transport infrastructure, and conservation works.
The NSW Government said the new infrastructure would support 29,000 new homes across the state as the government works towards its goal of 377,000 new homes under the National Housing Accord.
Anna Watson, Member for Shellharbour, said the funding was key to successfully integrating much-needed new homes into the region more broadly.
“This new round of funding is a tremendous boost for our area and another example of the NSW Government investing in the future of local communities,” she said.
“It will help the council deliver vital infrastructure that creates jobs and encourages more families to move into our area.
“The local road upgrades, playgrounds and carparks delivered through this funding are vital to making our community a better place to work, rest and play.”
Original Article published by Zoe Cartwright on Region Illawarra.
