A major upgrade to West Dapto Road is set to move into the next phase, marking another step toward completion of the vital infrastructure project to support the region's housing future.
Initial works on the road upgrade began in April with the commencement of relocation of supporting infrastructure, including water mains and electrical services. The next phase of the project will continue the major upgrade of West Dapto Road between Shone Avenue and Yard Street, with traffic diverted around the active construction site via Shone Avenue or Darkes Road.
This includes the construction of stormwater drainage, a new shared path including pedestrian bridge, road pavements and continuation of relocation of electrical and water services that are within the current road verge.
This crucial next step for the project will require a temporary full road closure of a section of West Dapto Road from 29 July 2025 until mid-2026, subject to weather and any other unforeseen delays in construction.
The road closure reduces the construction timeline, delivers a higher quality and superior road finish and delivers considerable cost savings for the project, which is co-funded by the NSW Government's Housing Acceleration Fund with a $26 million grant.
The closure to through traffic allows the community to plan a consistent travel schedule via alternate routes and removes the longer, uncertain or unexpected delays and changes that come with movement through an active construction site under traffic control.
Detour opportunities will be available to support residents in Wongawilli, Stream Hill and Horsely. The detour options are expected to result in a slight increase in travel time for residents.
Due to the detours, bus services will have altered routes and changed timetables, and some longer journey times. Bus passengers are advised that Trip Planner at transportnsw.info will be updated from mid-July with the new information to help them plan for the service changes.
"The decision to close a road for any length of time is never taken lightly, but reduced construction time and cost savings in this instance are significant,'' Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"It will also ensure this major project is completed as efficiently as possible, and with the best possible result for the people that already call West Dapto home, and the many thousands more who will over the coming years.
"We're aware that road closure will be a temporary inconvenience, but we've worked to ensure safe alternative routes will minimise disruptions. We've also worked extensively with Transport for NSW to ensure altered bus routes can continue as smoothly as possible for people in the area who rely on public transport.
"The West Dapto Road Upgrade Project is vital to serve the needs of this growing area, and it's vitally important to deliver this essential piece of road infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner. We're grateful for the funding support of the NSW government to allow us to do that."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said this project is crucial to support future housing growth.
"It's great to see this important infrastructure project progressing to the next stage," Mr Scully said.
"This project received $26 million from the NSW Government because it is vital to unlock development to deliver more diverse regional housing."
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said this is an important piece of infrastructure and these road closures will accelerate its delivery.
"These road closures will deliver short term pain for a long-term gain in West Dapto," Ms Watson said.
"This upgrade will enable our community's growth, delivering safer and more efficient travel routes."
The alternative routes are the result of thorough analysis to minimise inconvenience for residents who regularly utilise this section of West Dapto Road.
Primary Detour Routes will be via:
- Fairwater Drive/Fowlers Road with M1 access
- Bong Bong Road (no trucks)
- Princes Highway (northern access)
- Darkes Road (5-ton load limit - no trucks)
The community will remain informed during this period through real-time traffic updates via variable message signs, while the road closure will also be reported to Live Traffic so our community can seamlessly move between locations via the navigation options on their personal devices.
Council has also worked extensively with Transport for NSW and Premier Bus Services to review services to all areas, including Stream Hill, and to develop alternative routing. Some bus stops will be temporarily added or relocated.
