The Far North Collector Road Network has reached a major milestone with the foundations for all four new bridges in place, including the 108-metre-long bridge over Bomaderry Creek and floodplain.
Concrete bored piles have now been installed into high strength rock to create the support for the new structures.
The works are part of the $32.8 million Australian Government funded infrastructure project to connect Illaroo Road in North Nowra, with Moss Vale Road in Cambewarra.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley were on site to inspect progress being made on the 1.8-kilometre road and make a special announcement - that the community can have their say on what the new road should be called.
The community has until Friday 30 September to submit their road name suggestions.
In addition to the road naming, the Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (NLALC) will be involved in naming the bridge that crosses the Bomaderry Creek.
The Bomaderry Creek area is a site of importance with evidence of Aboriginal heritage unearthed during archaeological investigations for the project.
Planning for the Far North Collector Road Network has involved comprehensive Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments and Shoalhaven City Council continues to work with NLALC on how to best acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of the site.
Along with naming the bridge, interpretive signage near the creek and the repatriation of the artefacts is also planned.
Today's announcement builds on progress already achieved, including works completed on the new roundabout at Illaroo Road, which opened to traffic in March 2021.
The $32.8 million Far North Collector Road Network project is fully funded by the Australian Government.
More details on the project, including on having your say on the new road name, can be found on the Shoalhaven City Council website.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"This project is an example of the Australian Government's commitment to upgrading important local road networks to provide long-term connectivity and access improvements for communities.
"The Australian Government is proud to be fully funding the Far North Collector Road Network, which will help provide for growth in the new land release areas between Cambewarra and Bomaderry - securing a stronger future for the region."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:
"I'm thrilled to be here today seeing the fantastic progress being made on this vital project.
"As this region grows, we recognise so too must the infrastructure, which is why we have invested in this project to improve local road capacity, reduce travel times between Cambewarra, Bomaderry and Nowra, and bolster access to the new urban release areas.
"Works will also reduce traffic and noise on Illaroo Road, take pressure off the state network, and provide an alternative connection for commuters to the new Nowra Bridge - all of which is fantastic news for local communities and visitors alike."
