Major contract awarded for Mount Ousley interchange

More than 50,000 motorists who travel through the base of Mount Ousley each day are a step closer to safer and faster journeys with the award of the major contract to Fulton Hogan to design and build a new interchange.

The $390 million project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $240 million and the NSW Government $150 million.

It will improve road safety by providing northbound access from Mount Ousley Road to the motorway via an overpass and will also provide better separation of cars and heavy vehicles. 

When complete, the new interchange will include southbound heavy vehicle bypass lanes and safety ramps, a commuter carpark, and a shared path and vehicle overpass for improved access between Mount Ousley Road, M1 Princes Motorway and the University of Wollongong.

Detailed design work will start early in 2024. Transport for NSW and Fulton Hogan will work together throughout early work and the detailed design process to ensure the community continues to be informed about the project.

Early work will start in the coming months, including survey and geotechnical investigations, utility relocation and vegetation clearing.

Major work is expected to start in late 2024 and the project is expected to take about four years to complete, weather permitting.

More information about the Mount Ousley Interchange can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/mount-ousley-interchange.  

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“We are one step closer to starting major work on this critical piece of infrastructure, which will not only improve travel times for motorists but also provide safer journeys and support growing freight movements to the south coast.

“This stretch of road is known for traffic queuing and delays during peak periods. Separating cars and heavy vehicles travelling southbound is a unique feature that will provide a safer environment for everyone using the road.”

Quotes attributable to State Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

“Mt Ousley Road is a key piece of infrastructure for our entire region. This major improvement is one of my priorities as Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and I’m thrilled it’s getting underway.

“While the priority is to get the work done, we will need to balance that with the need to ensure this critical commuter and freight route remains open, and disruptions are minimised where possible.” 

Quotes attributable to State Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson:

“This project will boost the Illawarra economy, providing work and training opportunities for more than 450 people in the coming years.

“This funding investment recognises the importance of the region to the national economy.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:

“An estimated five million tonnes of freight travel the M1 Princes Motorway each year, as one of the main road freight corridors to and from the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.

“The M1 Princes Motorway is the only road in and out of the Illawarra capable of handling the volume and size of traffic needed to support commuters coming to and from Greater Sydney and our growing local industry. It is the economic artery that ensures products like new cars, trucks and buses from the Port make their way to the showroom floor and BlueScope’s world class steel can find its way to market.  

“The Australian and NSW governments’ significant joint investment in this project show that we understand this is a busy and vital route for visitors to the region, locals, business and the freight industry.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The new interchange will also improve access for locals and visitors to our region, both from the M1 Princes Motorway and the Wollongong CBD.

“It’s also great to see the improved amenities for all road users, with the design including a new pedestrian and cyclist access over the motorway.

“It’s the upgrade Wollongong has long been waiting for.”