The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to deliver connectivity and safety to communities, extending the Mount Ousley interchange project to include a $12 million shared pedestrian and cyclist bridge and shared path.
This follows overwhelming support received from the community during recent consultation for solutions for pedestrians and cyclists to cross busy Mount Ousley Road in safety.
The scope of the joint NSW-Australian Government project will include an accessible cyclist and pedestrian bridge and connecting paths. Work on the bridge and paths will now move into detailed design.
During the consultation period, Transport for NSW received 233 pieces of feedback, with more than 80 per cent of respondents agreeing that the shared path bridge would improve access to key destinations and encourage walking and cycling in the area.
The bridge was recognised by the community as a safer alternative to crossing Mount Ousley Road and a valuable link to surrounding suburbs and key destinations, such as the University of Wollongong and TAFE.
Maintaining safe and accessible traffic conditions on Dumfries Avenue emerged as a priority for residents, with concerns raised that single vehicle slow points may result in congestion and cause access issues for larger vehicles including buses. Transport and Wollongong City Council will continue to work together to carefully design traffic calming measures to enhance safety and minimise congestion, taking into consideration all road users.
Incorporating a fully accessible parking space to provide access to the shared path and bridge for all users was highlighted as a key concern for some stakeholders. In response to this feedback, Transport is developing a design for an accessible parking space in the cul-de-sac adjacent to the southern side of Mount Ousley Road.
During the consultation period, 73 per cent of respondents agreed that additional vegetation clearing would be necessary to realise the benefits that the new bridge would deliver, with comments received highlighting the importance of maximising vegetation retention and replanting with appropriate species where possible.
Other feedback focussed on bridge materials and colours, Aboriginal cultural heritage interpretation, signage and wayfinding, and lighting. Feedback received on these elements will be considered as the detailed design phase progresses.
Following a period of detailed design, construction of the new shared path and bridge will begin in 2026 and be completed in time for the opening of the new interchange.
The additional funding for the bridge and connecting paths, combined with minor enhancements identified during detailed design for the project, now brings the total commitment from the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments for the project to around $400 million.
A copy of the consultation summary report is available at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/mount-ousley-road-shared-path-bridge
An updated project animation provides the community and stakeholders with an overview of how the new interchange will operate once it open: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3k_hGiTw1Q&feature=youtu.be
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"The community has spoken loud and clear - this bridge is a much-needed link that will make it safer and easier to walk or cycle across Mount Ousley Road.
"It's fantastic to see overwhelming local support helping drive this project forward, and I'm proud that the NSW Government is investing an additional $12 million to finalise planning and construct the shared path and bridge over Mount Ousley Road."
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Labor always cares about safety on our roads, and I am proud that we have been able to find additional funds for this important public safety project.
"There is no doubt the interchange will bring great benefits to the community but it's essential as part of it that there are safe crossings that enable pedestrians and cyclists to get around what is a vibrant community precinct."
Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes said:
"We know how important this bridge is for the community to improve safety, promote active transport and keep that vital accessibility with the University and TAFE.
"Local people want to see restoration of our vegetation and habitat, thoughtful design, minimised disruption and long-term care of rehabilitated areas, and I am really pleased that this feedback has been incorporated into the detailed design.
"I'd also like thank all the community representatives on the stakeholder working group for their collaboration in ensuring we get the best possible outcome on this critical project. This is a great example of the fantastic results we can achieve when three levels of government work together constructively for our community."
NSW Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"This additional investment by the Minns Government in the Mount Ousley Interchange Upgrade will deliver an even better outcome.
"Local federal and state MP's have worked with community representatives to advocate for the inclusion of a pedestrian and bike bridge connection, along with the funding for it, making sure that this massive project will secure transport improvements for all users - from those on foot to those driving a B-double.
"The interchange project, addition of pedestrian and cycling connections and restoration of vegetation means that we have been able to secure benefits from this project for people that deliver massive safety and productivity benefits along with good outcomes for the built and natural environments."
