MOTORISTS are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on the M1 Princes Motorway at Mount Ousley as part of work on the Mount Ousley interchange project.  

Due to an increase in heavy vehicle movements, machinery, and workers in close proximity to the M1 Princes Motorway, a temporary speed reduction is being put in place.   

From Monday 8 September, the speed limit for light vehicles will be reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h, on a 1.8-kilometre section of the southbound lanes on the M1 Princes Motorway from just south of Mount Ousley Road for the safety of workers and motorists.  

The speed limit for heavy vehicles travelling southbound on the M1 Princes Motorway down Mount Ousley will remain 40 km/h and then 60 km/h, down from 80 km/h.  

The speed reduction will be in place from 7am Monday until 5pm Friday for approximately 18 months. Reduced speed limits will not be in place during public holidays and peak holiday periods.    

Transport for NSW advises motorists to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.  

Meanwhile the new Mount Ousley interchange has hit another milestone with major work complete on the upgraded pedestrian bridge at Northfields Avenue.

The upgraded bridge includes a new, more accessible, ramp that improves pedestrian access to the bridge by providing a gentler slope rather than a steep spiral ramp.

The improved bridge opened to the community on the evening of Monday 1 September, reinstating access across the M1 between the University of Wollongong and the TAFE at Northfields Avenue.

Major work started in January this year with temporary scaffolding put in place to ensure the bridge remained open while work was carried out.

NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Keira MP, Ryan Park said the upgrade not only improves access for pedestrians but also provides space for crews to start construction of the new southbound access road to University Avenue.

“We’ve listened loud and clear; locals want safer, more accessible ways to cross around Mount Ousley Road,” he said.

More than 9000 people hours were worked with a total of 525 tonnes of concrete poured, 57 tonnes of reinforcement material used, and about 239 linear metres of new handrail installed.

Progress continues on the interchange, with construction of the new heavy vehicle safety ramp, heavy vehicle bypass, new bridges and retaining walls and drainage. Work is also continuing on the new retaining and noise wall next to Dumfries Avenue, which is expected to be complete by the end of this year. 

The Australian and NSW governments are investing over $400 million to deliver a new interchange on the M1 Princes Motorway at the base of Mount Ousley to improve connectivity, safety and efficiency for those travelling through the gateway to Wollongong.

For the latest information in the Mount Ousley interchange project, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/mount-ousley-interchange

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