Work is on track for a new bypass that will deliver much-needed relief to traffic congestion through Batemans Bay and allow the kick-start of land and property development worth $800 million.
The $10 million bypass, funded by the NSW Government and built by Eurobodalla Shire Council, will connect the Princes Highway and George Bass Drive near Batehaven and provide an alternative route for traffic to bypass Beach Road, the shire’s busiest road.
The new bypass will provide a direct link from the Princes Highway to future urban development land around Batehaven, as well as significantly reducing the number of vehicles and trucks travelling through the Batemans Bay urban area.
Heron Road in Catalina will also be extended to join the new road as part of the project. Traffic calming devices will be installed along Heron Road to ensure safe travel speeds through the Catalina residential area.
The bypass, formerly known as the South Batemans Bay Link Road, was last month officially gazetted as Glenella Road.
Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said the $10 million project would not be possible without the support of Member for Bega Andrew Constance.
“Andrew championed the project from the outset, recognising the key role this bypass has to our regional economy,” Clr Innes said.
“The new road is essential to facilitate around $800 million of planned growth around Batehaven, with all the associated employment, social and economic benefits. This includes the development of Council’s employment lands at Surf Beach.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure Service Warren Sharpe said Council will complete its section of the roadworks by the end of 2018 when the new roundabout at the intersection of Glenella Road and George Bass Drive is built.
However, the highway intersection treatment remains unresolved.
Andrew Constance, Member for Bega confirmed he was continuing to advocate to the Minister for Roads for vital funding for this necessary intersection upgrade.
“Following the NSW Government’s funding for the bypass and surrounding upgrades, it’s important that we also look to securing funding for the intersection as the final piece in the puzzle.”
Above: Watch a short video of the construction so far Media Release
