A $12 million shared pedestrian and cyclist bridge and shared path is set to be delivered as an extension of the Mount Ousley interchange project.
This follows overwhelming support received from the community during recent consultation for solutions for pedestrians and cyclists to cross busy Mount Ousley Road in safety.
The scope of the joint NSW-Federal Government project will include an accessible cyclist and pedestrian bridge and connecting paths. Work on the bridge and paths will now move into detailed design.
During the consultation period, Transport for NSW received 233 pieces of feedback, with more than 80 per cent of respondents agreeing that the shared path bridge would improve access to key destinations and encourage walking and cycling in the area.
The bridge was recognised by the community as a safer alternative to crossing Mount Ousley Road and a valuable link to surrounding suburbs and key destinations, such as the University of Wollongong and TAFE.
Maintaining safe and accessible traffic conditions on Dumfries Avenue emerged as a priority for residents, with concerns raised that single vehicle slow points may result in congestion and cause access issues for larger vehicles including buses. Transport and Wollongong City Council will continue to work together to carefully design traffic calming measures to enhance safety and minimise congestion, taking into consideration all road users.
Incorporating a fully accessible parking space to provide access to the shared path and bridge for all users was highlighted as a key concern for some stakeholders. In response to this feedback, Transport is developing a design for an accessible parking space in the cul-de-sac adjacent to the southern side of Mount Ousley Road.
During the consultation period, 73 per cent of respondents agreed that additional vegetation clearing would be necessary to realise the benefits that the new bridge would deliver, with comments received highlighting the importance of maximising vegetation retention and replanting with appropriate species where possible.
Other feedback focused on bridge materials and colours, Aboriginal cultural heritage interpretation, signage and wayfinding, and lighting. Feedback received on these elements will be considered as the detailed design phase progresses.
Following a period of detailed design, construction of the new shared path and bridge will begin in 2026 and be completed in time for the opening of the new interchange.
The additional funding for the bridge and connecting paths, combined with minor enhancements identified during detailed design for the project, now brings the total commitment from the NSW and Federal Governments for the project to around $400 million.
An updated project animation provides the community and stakeholders with an overview of how the new interchange will operate once it open.
NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said that the community has spoken loud and clear – this bridge is a much-needed link that will make it safer and easier to walk or cycle across Mount Ousley Road.
“It’s fantastic to see overwhelming local support helping drive this project forward, and I’m proud that the NSW Government is investing an additional $12 million to finalise planning and construct the shared path and bridge over Mount Ousley Road.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that she is proud that the government has been able to find additional funds for this important public safety project.
“There is no doubt the interchange will bring great benefits to the community but it’s essential as part of it that there are safe crossings that enable pedestrians and cyclists to get around what is a vibrant community precinct.”
