Open to traffic
NSW Premier Morris Iemma along with Kiama MP Matt Brown, Roads Minister Joe Tripodi, Minister for the Illawarra, David Campbell and Federal Member for Gilmore Joanna Gash officially opened the North Kiama Bypass on Saturday 26 November 2005.
The road was opened to traffic on Monday 28 November.
The $179 million, 7.6 kilometre North Kiama Bypass is on the Princes Highway near Dunmore. It improves safety and travel conditions by eliminating a winding section of the highway at Minnamurra as well as removing through traffic in residential streets in Bombo, Kiama Downs and Minnamurra.
The bypass was funded by the NSW Government, with the Commonwealth Government contributing $34 million to the project.
Construction of the bypass
The North Kiama Bypass was constructed in two stages. A 942m-long concrete bridge across the Terragong Swamp was completed in February 2003 as stage one of the project. The bridge was constructed first so it could be used as a haul road for project works.
A contract for construction of the final stage was awarded in August 2003, with work starting in November 2003.
The North Kiama Bypass is four lanes (two in each direction) which bypasses the previous section of the Princes Highway between 28.5km and 35km south of Wollongong and extends from near Swamp Road to Bombo Beach at North Kiama.
The new section of highway includes:
Three interchages:
A full-diamond interchange at Bombo (allowing entry and exit from both directions).
A half-diamond interchange at Swamp Road (allowing exit and entry from the north).
Access near Shellharbour Road and Tabbitta Road for the Boral Quarry.
An off-ramp north of Bombo Railway Station for Panama and Hutchinson streets.
A bridge to provide vehicle, pedestrian and cycling access to the existing Bombo Beach access under the railway line near Hutchinson Street.
Retaining existing pedestrian and cycling access from Spring Creek to Bombo Beach with links to the present Princes Highway.
Improved access to Bombo Railway Station.
Increased safety for motorists accessing Kiama.
On-road cycleways in both directions.
Rest areas for both north and southbound motorists.
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