Preferred option announced for a Princes Highway upgrade in NSW

Upgrading the Princes Highway from Jervis Bay Road to Hawken Road – between Falls Creek and Tomerong – is a step closer to commencing following the release of the preferred option for the project. 

The Jervis Bay Road to Hawken Road upgrade is a key element of the Princes Highway upgrade program that will deliver a safer, more reliable, efficient and connected transport network in New South Wales. 

The preferred option for the upgrade will include: 

• Upgrading the existing section of the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road, including realignment and widening from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway (two lanes in each direction) with median separation providing continuous travel 
• Tie-in to the Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection upgrade to the north of the proposal 
• New local access roads which include: 
  • Service Road 01 providing local residents access to the western side of the Princes Highway via Willowgreen Road and the Jervis Bay Road intersection upgrade 
  • Service Road 02 providing local residents access to the eastern side of the Princes Highway from the northern tie-in at the Jervis Bay Road intersection upgrade to Mortimer Road 
  • Other minor service roads and access roads providing private property access along the southern extent of the Princes Highway. This includes a service road off Sinclair Road providing access to the western side of the highway 
• A grade separated s-type intersection at Hawken Road that allows all traffic movements and is comprised of: 
  • Hawken Road and Blackbutt Range Road connected to the Princes Highway in left-in/left-out turn arrangements 
  • A new overpass connecting Hawken Road to Blackbutt Rang Road over the Princes Highway, providing full east and west connectivity 

Preferred option (source: Transport for NSW)

“Upgrading the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road will improve safety for all Transport customers, improve traffic and freight efficiency, as well as connections to regional centres and services,” A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said. 

The preferred option for the upgrade was developed and refined in accordance with community feedback, assessments of key constraints as well as further investigations into the design of the highway. 

“The preferred option was found to best meet the project’s objectives to improve resilience, safety, access and efficiency of the network for all traffic, including freight. 

“The option also best supports sustainability in our area and respects the community and environment,” the spokesperson said. 

Transport for NSW is now encouraging the community to have their say on the preferred option for the Jervis Bay Road to Hawken Road upgrade. Submissions will be utilised to further refine the design of the project and in the preparation of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF). 

This consultation period is considered as part of the REF assessment process. The REF and concept design for the project are expected to be available for comment by early 2024. 

Transport for NSW will actively engage with and consult the community throughout the life of the project. 

The Australian and New South Wales Governments have jointly committed $500 million towards the upgrade, each contributing $400 million and $100 million respectively. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); NSW Government – Princes Highway Upgrade NSW South Coast; Roads & Infrastructure Australia