Additional funding to get full scope of Tripoli Way Extension delivered

An additional $20 million is being committed by the New South Wales Government to ensure the full delivery of the Tripoli Way Extension. This investment brings the State Government’s total contribution towards the project to $40 million since March 2023. 

The project aims to relieve congestion on the Illawarra Highway in Albion Park by providing an uninterrupted route connecting Terry Street in the east to the Illawarra Highway at Broughton Avenue in the west, bypassing the town centre. 

“This is the investment our community has been waiting for. The Tripoli Way Extension will reduce congestion through the Albion Park town centre and make local roads safer and more reliable. 

“This extension was first dreamed up in the 1960s, and with this additional investment it will become a reality. 

“After twelve years of waiting we finally have shovels in the ground, and the funding we need to get the job done. 

“Labor is listening to locals, fixing the mess left behind by the previous government, and delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs,” Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said. 

“For too long, this community has been waiting for the services and infrastructure it needs – from schools and hospitals to local roads. That’s what our government is focused on delivering. 

“Voters have a choice about who will be strongest possible candidate for their community – and Katelin is someone who can be at the table when decisions are made. 

“Katelin has shown she’ll work hard to make sure Kiama gets its fair share – and that’s exactly the kind of voice this community deserves in Parliament,” Premier Chris Minns said. 

The Tripoli Way Extension is part of the State Government’s plan to ensure the people of Kiama have the essential services they need and rely on – including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities. 

The additional investment will unlock the full scope of the $74 million project, which includes the much-needed future upgrade of the Terry Street and Tripoli Way intersection. 

The remaining balance to fully fund the project will be committed by Shellharbour City Council alongside developer contributions. 

The Shellharbour City Council, who will be delivering the project, previously removed the works at Terry Street intersection from the scope of the project due to a funding shortfall. With the new investment, the council can now deliver the Tripoli Way Extension in full. 

Early works on the project will wrap up this month and main construction is due to commence in 2026. The Tripoli Way Extension is anticipated to be completed in late 2027. 

“This additional $20 million ensures the full scope of the Tripoli Way Extension can be delivered including the much-needed Terry Street intersection upgrade, so locals get the maximum benefit from this project. 

“For too long, this community has had to live with congestion and delays because the former Liberal and National Governments stripped Tripoli Way out of the Albion Park Rail Bypass in 2017. 

“Kiama can’t afford to go back to the Liberal’s cute, neglect and broken promises. 

“Labor is getting on with the job, after decades of delays, to finally deliver the infrastructure the people of Albion Park deserve,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

“The Tripoli Way Extension is a vital project for our growing community, enhancing the efficiency and safety of our roads. This is a huge infrastructure project, and I thank the Minns NSW Government for this substantial funding announcement for Shellharbour’s next largest infrastructure undertaking, which will assist in getting the Tripoli Way Extension not only delivered but delivered right,” Mayor of Shellharbour City Council Chris Homer said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Shellharbour City Council (1, 2)