Extended clearways will ‘destroy’ Bulli, says businesses, as NSW Government pushes on with controversial plan

WATCH out Bulli, they’re coming! Despite reports the clearway restrictions through Bulli shopping centre had been placed on the backburner, Transport for NSW have announced the work on the controversial project will proceed.

A range of traffic measures planned to ease traffic along the Princes Highway through Bulli will include the extension of clearways, sparking warnings it will lead to business closures.

Residents and business owners have slammed the proposal, labelling it a ‘bandaid solution’, and have called for the completion of Memorial Drive to Bulli Pass, which would bypass the heritage listed township.

A northbound clearway will be in force weekdays between Park Road and Station Street from 6.30am to 9.30am, and southbound weekdays from 3pm to 6pm. A clearway will also be slapped on the highway through the shopping centre in both directions on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the changes were outlined in community consultation in June and July last year, and timing was still to be confirmed. Work began last month to add an additional left turn lane from the roundabout at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Memorial Drive.

“Following this, we can now confirm further upgrades in Bulli will include extended hours on existing clearways between Station Street and Park Road, new parking spaces and carpark upgrades on Railway and Station streets, removing right turns in and out of Station Street, and introducing a dedicated right turn arrow at Park Road,” the spokesperson said.

“We are also progressing plans to upgrade the intersections of the Princes Highway with Grevillea Park Road and Point Street.

“We are focused on providing locals more reliable and safer journeys, and through this work we will be improving traffic flow, alleviating driver frustration and reducing the need for lane changes through Bulli during peak periods.”

Input from the community received in mid-2021 is being incorporated into the designs of the Bulli improvement work, and the community will be kept informed as designs are finalised and plans locked in.

See The Bulli & Clifton Times: Extended clearways and traffic changes planned to relieve Bulli and Thirroul congestion

While most residents and business owners agree that a solution is needed to ease traffic congestion through Bulli, many have slammed what they have labelled a ‘bandaid’ measure to extend clearways, and have called for the completion of Memorial Drive to Bulli Pass.

More information of the changes can be found at nswroads.work/bullithirroul

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