It follows completion of a microbat exclusion process
Key points:
- West Dapto Road will reopen to vehicle traffic by Christmas 2026 following completion of a microbat exclusion process
- It will allow works at the impacted stormwater culvert to resume, bringing more certainty to the construction timeline
- Approximately 86 per cent of the works required to reopen the road to traffic are now complete
West Dapto Road will reopen to traffic prior to Christmas 2026, with the completion of a microbat exclusion process allowing works around an impacted stormwater culvert to resume.
Works in the immediate vicinity were halted in late May when a colony of threatened Southern Myotis microbats was discovered roosting within the culvert, requiring the implementation of a Microbat Management Plan.
Construction has continued either side of the culvert site, with the permitted microbat exclusion process carried out through September. Pavement works above the stormwater culvert can now progress under the supervision of an ecologist, as required.
With more than 86 per cent of works required to reopen the road now complete, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the resumption of works at the culvert site is a major milestone for the project.
"We understand the impact the road closure has had on residents and businesses, which is why our teams have continued progressing every available component of the project while the exclusion process was underway," Cr Brown said.
"Managing the presence of a threatened species within a construction site is a complex and carefully regulated process and we have worked closely with the relevant agencies to meet every requirement and keep the project moving forward.
"Restarting work at the culvert is a big step for the project and, with the progress we've been able to make on either side of the impacted site while the exclusion was underway, we're now in a position to say the road will be reopened to traffic in time for Christmas.
"We will continue to keep the community informed as works progress and look forward to seeing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists benefit from the upgraded road network."
Despite the disruptions, several key milestones for the project have been delivered while the microbat exclusion was underway.
Pavement stabilisation works have progressed well this week following the placement of the lower and upper pavement layers, kerb and gutter installation at both the western and eastern ends of the road, and the shaping of road verges. Piling works for the pedestrian bridge have also been completed, with the bridge now fabricated and scheduled for installation later this month.
A detailed breakdown of further works completed to date is available at Council's West Dapto Road project page , which will continue to be updated fortnightly. Community members can also sign up for regular project updates via our engagement page .
While traffic will return to West Dapto Road once the critical works are completed, the community will continue to see construction activities around the site as crews work to finish elements which do not require a road closure and wrap up the current stage of this long-term project.
