The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to extend the Tripoli Way, with the release of the final designs for the transformational project.
This milestone comes after the Minns Government invested a further $20 million towards the project in August last year, bringing the total NSW Government investment in the project to over $40 million.
With the designs now completed, Shellharbour City Council is progressing through the tender process with preferred contractors for the main construction works.
The release of the design follows years of detailed planning, technical investigations and consultation on one of the region's biggest infrastructure projects, which has been on the books since 1961.
Set to ease congestion through the main streets of Albion Park and Calderwood, the extension of this road will future proof the area, as more houses are built in the growing region.
Key design features include:
- A two‑kilometre road corridor
- A 30‑metre bridge over Hazelton Creek
- Three signalised intersections
- Four traffic lanes between Terry Street and Moles Street
- Two traffic lanes between Moles Street and Broughton Avenue
- Connections to the Illawarra Highway delivered in collaboration with Transport for NSW
Construction is set to begin later this year, with the project expected to be completed in late 2028.
More information about the Tripoli Way extension is available at: https://letschatshellharbour.com/tripoli-way-extension-project
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:
"This is a significant milestone, and one that brings us one step closer to delivering infrastructure that will service communities like ALbion Park and Calderwood now and into the future.
"As more and more people choose to call the Illawarra home, The Minns Government is investing in the infrastructure we need to support this growth.
"This project will ease congestion and take pressure off our roads while ensuring our region remains well connected."
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"This is a great day for the communities of Albion Park and Calderwood.
"For twelve years, the former Government neglected communities like Albion Park and Calderwood. These communities have been waiting too long for the essential infrastructure they need to thrive.
"This is a story that growing communities across regional NSW know all too well. The Minns Government has been working to fix the Liberals' mess, building better roads for regional communities across the state.
"Since coming into Government, we've invested over $40 million in this project, working with Shellharbour City Council to ensure this critical piece of infrastructure is built.
"I want to thank one of this project's strongest advocates, Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, for her ongoing advocacy to drive this project forward.
"It was her advocacy during the 2023 election and 2025 by-election that has helped secure $40 million in NSW Government investment for this project"
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
"This is a major step forward for our community, and our people in Albion Park, Calderwood and Tullimbar have been waiting a long time to see.
"I understand the impact of congestion and pressure on our roads, and this project is about fixing that and making everyday trips safer and easier.
"As our community continues to grow, it's critical we deliver the infrastructure to match. The Tripoli Way extension will help ease congestion, support local jobs and keep our region moving.
"I'll keep advocating to make sure this project is delivered and that our community gets the infrastructure it deserves."
Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, Chris Homer said:
"The new Tripoli Way Road is one of the region's largest infrastructure projects and it will improve safety, reduce congestion in Albion Park and Calderwood."
"The extension will ease congestion at key choke points, reduce pressure on local streets and make it safer and easier for people to move across the city, while supporting a more accessible and connected Albion Park town centre while also supporting the housing crisis through the delivery of infrastructure for homes."
