The extension, which has been talked about since 1961, has ramped up considerably since the Minns Labor Government invested $40 million towards the transformational project.
Supporting East-West connectivity and bypassing the Albion Park town centre, the project will reduce congestion and support the rapidly growing communities of Albion Park and Calderwood, which have seen increased traffic volumes in recent years.
The construction contract has been awarded to Haslin Constructions, who will deliver the project alongside Shellharbour City Council.
With the designs finalised, major electrical upgrades and utility relocations complete, construction is set to begin by the end of the year.
Key design features include:
- A two‑kilometre road corridor
- A 30‑metre bridge over Hazelton Creek
- Three signalised intersections
- Four traffic lanes between Terry Street and Moles Street
- Two traffic lanes between Moles Street and Broughton Avenue
- Connections to the Illawarra Highway delivered in collaboration with Transport for NSW
More information about the Tripoli Way extension is available at: https://letschatshellharbour.com/tripoli-way-extension-project
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:
“This is another major milestone for a project that will make a real difference for families across this much loved region.
“As more people choose to call the Illawarra home, we need to make sure the infrastructure keeps pace with that growth.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
“The Illawarra is growing, and projects like the Tripoli Way extension are critical to making sure that our infrastructure grows with it.
“Better connections between Albion Park, Calderwood and the Illawarra Highway will help take pressure off local roads and support new homes and this growing community.
“This is the kind of investment that helps make sure growth is supported by the roads and infrastructure people rely on every day.”
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Tripoli Way extension will give drivers a more direct connection between Albion Park, Calderwood and the Illawarra Highway, while helping reduce congestion through the Albion Park town centre.
“Thanks to the advocacy of Katelin McInerney, the Minns Labor Government has committed $40 million to help get this long-awaited project moving.
“The award of the construction contract means we are another important step closer to seeing boots on the ground.
“With designs complete and major utility works already carried out, the focus can now turn to construction and delivering this important new connection.”
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
“People in Albion Park and Calderwood have waited a long time to see real progress on Tripoli Way.
“This project will make everyday trips easier for local families, improve connections to the Illawarra Highway and help keep through traffic out of the Albion Park town centre.
“It is fantastic to see another major milestone reached, with construction now firmly on the horizon.”
Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, Chris Homer said:
“Getting the Tripoli Way Extension contract locked in is a big step forward for our community and something we’ve been working towards for a long time.
“It’s going to make a real difference to how people move around Albion Park, Tullimbar and Calderwood, providing an alternative route around the Albion Park town centre and helping traffic move more efficiently as these communities continue to grow.”
“This is about making sure we’ve got the right infrastructure in place as our community grows. The Tripoli Way Extension will improve everyday travel for locals and help build a stronger, more connected transport network for years to come.”
