Over $300 million will be invested to open the Clyde River to tourism and ease road congestion around Batemans Bay.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, alongside Member for Bega Andrew Constance, announced budget funding to construct new bridges at Nelligen and Batemans Bay.
The NSW Government’s Budget has set aside more than $300 million to invest in new bridges at Batemans Bay and Nelligen.
Mrs Pavey said $15.9 million in this year's budget will be used for planning, investigation and design work to deliver the best options to replace both bridges.
“These bridges form part of important corridors which motorists use to access the beautiful south coast,” she said.
“Traffic along these roads is only going to get busier, especially between Sydney, Canberra and the south coast.
“We could either keep throwing more and more money at maintaining bridges built for the 1950s and 60s, or we could set up the infrastructure for the 21st Century and beyond.
“Using modern materials and design standards, these new structures will be built to have a 100 year lifespan. The new bridges will be far superior to those they are replacing in terms of safety and strength.”
The new Batemans Bay bridge will improve the efficiency of freight movements across the river, fix structural issues, reduce maintenance costs, and reduce economic and social impacts resulting from road closures.
“These two new bridges will ease congestion and provide a safer journey for the motorists who use them daily,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said.
Mr Constance said it’s a huge win for the local community who have been dealing with delays in traffic for years.
“Safety is our number one priority, and these new bridges will make the area easier to access during peak tourism periods and ease some of the congestion we have been experiencing on the Princes Highway for years,” he said.
“The new bridge would also provide better access for tourism vessels and will hopefully encourage more people to access one of the great attractions in Batemans Bay - the Clyde River.”
Mr Constance said a new 2.5 metre wide shoulder will be provided on the Kings Highway bridge at Nelligen, along with barriers separating the footpath from vehicles.
A number of intersections along the Kings Highway at Nelligen will be upgraded as part of the new bridge alignment.
“With new approaches to the bridge, the road will not only be safer, but will also ensure shorter travel time and more efficient road access,” he said.
“We are consulting with the community and conducting studies on environmental factors, including noise effects and heritage issues, and will deliver the best option to replace both bridges.
“The south coast has boomed, it's time we moved with the changes and the time is now.” Media Release
