West Dapto Road upgrade receives State funding

Wollongong City Council has been awarded $25.5 million from the NSW State Government to upgrade West Dapto Road — from Shone Avenue to Rainbird Drive.

This large-scale project includes road, pavement and drainage works, improved access during flooding, new traffic signals, a new shared pathway to connect Wongawilli town centre to the planned Darkes town centre, and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge.

Following the NSW Government’s announcement under the Restart NSW Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF), construction works on the West Dapto Road are anticipated to start early in the new financial year.

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said overseeing the growth and development of West Dapto, is one of the most ambitious and longest-running projects Council has ever undertaken.

“The West Dapto Road upgrade is part of Council’s plans to meet the changing needs of current and future residents who will call this area home over the next 50 years,” Mr Doyle said.

“Over the past 10 years, Council has invested more than $100 million in researching, designing, upgrading and building new roads, bridges, paths and stormwater structures in West Dapto. The Karrara Bridge, which received significant Federal and State Government funding support, was a key milestone for this community.

“This project encompasses the next series of works that will help accelerate the delivery of housing in the West Dapto release area and ensure our road infrastructure is ready for the future.

“Council has consistently advocated on behalf of our community to make this project happen.

“We are grateful for the NSW State Government’s investment into the West Dapto Road upgrade. This acknowledges the importance of these growing suburbs and the need for further investment to improve transport links for the growing number of residents and visitors.”

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that this project would improve safety, reduce congestion, improve access during flood events and connect these roads with the wider existing road networks.

“Thinking to the future of this region, we estimate that the West Dapto Urban Release Area will grow to provide up to 19,500 dwellings to service an additional population of about 56,500 people over the next 50 years,” Cr Bradbery said.

The West Dapto Road upgrade is proudly funded by the NSW State Government. The $25.5 million will specifically contribute to the delivery of:

• a widened road including kerb and gutter
• upgraded road pavement and drainage
• a new shared path connection from Wongawilli town centre to the future Darkes town centre, community centre and recreation area
• new traffic signals at the intersection of Wongawilli Road, Shone Avenue and West Dapto Road
• new traffic signals at the intersection of West Dapto Road and Rainbird Drive
• new pedestrian bridge just west of Rainbird Drive and
• improvements in flood reliability for West Dapto Road.

Council has a long-term commitment to extend this upgrade along the whole length of the West Dapto Road as outlined in the West Dapto Development Contributions Plan (2020).

“It’s important that we continue to invest in suitable transport infrastructure to accommodate these growing numbers of new residents,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Council has a long-term vision for West Dapto to grow and develop into a series of integrated and connected communities that are healthy, sustainable and resilient now and into the future.”