New milestone reached on $940m Milton Ulladulla Bypass project

Another planning milestone has been reached on the $940 million Milton Ulladulla Bypass project with key connection points now confirmed between the Princes Highway and the new route. 

With the preferred option in place, the project is now a step closer to easing congestion and improving travel for South Coast communities. 

After careful environmental studies and community feedback, the northern, central and southern bypass links have been finalised. 

“Local voices have been central to refining this bypass, ensuring it meets the needs of residents and protects our unique natural surroundings. This project will make a real difference for families and businesses on the South Coast,” Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said. 

“This milestone brings us closer to a safer, more efficient road network that will benefit everyone from daily commuters to tourists to local freight operators. I look forward to working with the community as this project moves ahead,” Member for South Coast Liza Butler said. 

Design refinements focus on protecting local flora and fauna, minimising impacts on properties, and addressing environmental and construction challenges while also improving road safety and access for residents. 

Design elements include: 

• A roundabout to connect with the Princes Highway in the north, just south of Little Forest Road. The location of the roundabout reduces environmental impacts and some of the geotechnical earthworks required due to the presence of monzonite in the area 

• A grade separated interchange at Bishop Drive will provide a central connection that improves access to local facilities and surrounding villages 

• A roundabout to connect the bypass to the Princes Highway in the south, just north of Canberra Crescent, will include a northbound slip lane to allow easy access to the bypass 

With connection points confirmed, the detailed design will continue to be developed including lane configurations, bridge structures, and wildlife crossings to protect local biodiversity. 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving congestion and safety on our roads. 

“I am pleased to see the planning for this state significant infrastructure project progress with connection points from Milton and Ulladulla to the new bypass identified. 

“Thorough environmental assessments have been under way, and along with community feedback, have informed a refined design that focuses on sustainability and protecting and enhancing biodiversity,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

The environmental assessment forms part of the Environmental Impact Statement – which will be published next year – gives the community an opportunity to provide further feedback prior to the finalisation of the design. 

The Milton Ulladulla Bypass project is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments. 

Transport for NSW will be holding drop-in sessions where residents can ask questions and learn more about the project: 

• Ulladulla Civic Centre – 30 September, 3pm to 7pm 

• Ulladulla Shopping Centre – 17 October, 10am to 2pm 

• Milton Village Showground Markets – 18 October, 9am to 2pm 

“As the South Coast region continues to grow, and infrastructure like the Milton Ulladulla bypass is essential to keep communities connected and thriving. 

“As the important job of developing the concept design and environmental assessment continues, it is great to be able to share the design elements with the community and give property owners within the corridor more certainty,” Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

Key features of the preferred option for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass project include: 

• Northern connection – the connection to the existing Princes Highway in the north will be a roundabout located just south of Little Forest Road. This option shortens the length of the bypass and avoids difficult geological conditions near Little Forest Road 

• Croobyar Road – the bypass will go over Croobyar Road to reduce impacts to local traffic during construction. The location of the road crossing prevents relocation of utility services (such as overhead powerlines) and reduces geological challenges including Milton Monzonite 

• Wilfords Lane – a loop road will connect Wilfords Lane under the bypass to reduce property and local traffic impacts 

• Slaughterhouse Road – Slaughterhouse Road will end at the bypass on both sides. This avoids construction of an additional bridge and provides a safer outcome for road users. Local access will be maintained via the central connection near Bishop Drive 

• Central connection – the connection to the existing Princes Highway in the centre is a key point for road users to leave the bypass and head into the local towns and villages. The central connection will be a grade separated interchange to allow for free-flowing traffic movements in every direction via Pirralea Road and an extension to Bishop Drive 

• Green Street – the bypass will go over Green Street with the local road moved to the east. This will provide a safe road alignment which maintains local traffic movements during construction 

• South of Green Street – in this area, there are significant ecological constraints in the densely vegetated forest, which is home to many native species, including the Greater Glider. We will minimise impacts as much as possible and maintain fauna connections across the bypass by building connectivity structures 

• Kings Point Drive – a new bridge will allow the bypass to go under Kings Point Drive. This option maintains local access during construction, reduces the impact to nearby utilities and minimises impact on surrounding vegetation 

• Southern connection – the connection to the existing Princes Highway in the south will be a roundabout just north of Canberra Crescent. Access to the Princes Highway from Canberra Crescent will be maintained. Pedestrian connectivity options will be developed as the design progresses 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)