Construction of $9.6 million worth of major upgrades for Macquarie Pass have commenced this week as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver the new and improved essential infrastructure that Kiama communities rely on.
This essential upgrade will include the delivery of wider lanes and new safety barriers, improving key sections at the top and near the bottom of the busy Illawarra Highway,
Once completed these upgrades will improve travel conditions for the 4,000 drivers who use this road daily. Further it will increase community resilience and reduce the risk of closures on the steep route following unprecedented wet weather as has been recently experienced locally.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to ensure the people of Kiama have the essential services they need and rely on, including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities. Macquarie Pass is used by 4,000 vehicles every day.
The first phase of work will be at the 200 metre stretch between the top two hairpin bends, a narrow and winding section of road frequently affected by severe weather and slope instability. $7.5 million in upgrades will see three-metre-wide travel lanes in both directions, as well as new kerbs and safety barriers, making it safer and easier for motorists to navigate the top bends.
To stabilise the slope, long steel rods (known as soil nails) will be drilled into the embankment. A heavy-duty mesh and concrete spray (shotcrete) will then be applied to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of unplanned closures.
An additional $2.1 million under the NSW Government's Towards Zero Safer Roads program will allow safety improvements to be carried out about 900 metres up from the Cascade Falls Picnic Area.
Work will include installing a widened centre line along a 300-metre section, minor slope stabilisation, and drainage upgrades to improve safety for road users.
This builds on the Government's investment of $3 million in accelerated funding to fill potholes and undertake road repairs, which has brought road maintenance investment in Kiama to over $35 million this year.
Night works are occurring from 8pm to 4am, Sunday to Thursday. The project is expected to take up to six months to complete, weather permitting. For the safety of workers and motorists, Macquarie Pass will be closed between Tongarra Mine Road and Mount Murray Road during work hours and detours will be in place that add 10 minutes for light vehicles.
Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"This funding is about making regional roads safer, more reliable and fairer, ensuring local communities get their fair share of road maintenance investment.
"Macquarie Pass is a critical corridor for local commuters, freight operators and the tourism sector.
"These safety upgrades will provide a safer road environment and are key to ensuring the resilience of this route.
"Work carried out on the Pass is complex due to the steep terrain of the site, slope stability
challenges and the tight work areas that limit worker and vehicle access.
"The design and schedule have been developed to achieve maximum results while minimising
impacts to the community wherever possible.
"We appreciate the community's patience while this work is carried out."
Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
"I'm very excited that these two essential projects have started. Macquarie Pass is a vital link
between the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra and it comes up frequently when I talk to local
residents.
"These upgrades will make a real difference to the safety of everyone who uses the road.
"This is a significant investment that will help reduce the risk of unplanned closures, especially
during bad weather, and give the community more confidence when travelling on the route."
