The biggest infrastructure project in the history of the South Coast, the $580 million Foxground to Berry Bypass has reached the halfway point.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW Premier Mike Baird was in Berry on Tuesday to inspect the progress of the project but stopped short of demanding the federal government allocate money to the Princes Highway upgrade.
Mr Baird joined Kiama MP Gareth Ward and Paul Green MLC in inspecting the almost complete 600 metre Berry bridge just north of the township.
One of the biggest structures of the project, the concrete bridge which travels over Woodhill Mountain Road, has been taking shape over the past few months and should be completed by the weekend.
Only three spans of the 19-span bridge remain to be completed.
Each span is made up of 12 super-T Girders. Each girder weighs 60 tonnes.
Mr Baird said it was exciting the 12.5km bypass had reached its halfway point but wouldn’t be drawn on whether the federal government should put more funds into the project, the missing link of the highway upgrade the proposed Berry to Bomaderry Bypass and the contentious issue of who would pay for the new Shoalhaven River bridge.
“Obviously we are engaged with the federal government across a range of opportunities across the state,” he said.
“We have seen under the current federal government they are willing to participate and provide significant infrastructure funds.
“We are in a range of discussions with them but ultimately it is a matter for them.
“Of course, you won’t find a local member, premier or treasurer who won’t say we’d love to see more from the federal government.
“If they delivered that we’ll be delighted.”
He said the government would “go it alone” if needed to continue the highway upgrade.
“Every part of the Princes Highway you can see we are doing everything we can to make a difference. Whether it be here or the Albion Park Rail bypass which is next, we have shown a determination to put as much as we can into infrastructure on an ongoing basis,” he said.
“Obviously we would welcome any federal contribution that might come. You’ve seen we are determined to it, to get it done. If we have to do it alone, we’ve shown we can do it.
“This is a good reminder of the progress we are making, not just here but across the state.
“Fifteen months ago I stood behind here and we turned the first sod with Gareth and Paul.
“We obviously hoped to see the infrastructure being built as quick as possible and you can see it is all happening.
“This is being replicated across NSW. We said we would build projects and that’s exactly what what we are doing.
“We know the difference this will make to people’s and family’s lives. Travel time is improving and safety is improving, both of those go to the real reason why we are undertaking this massive infrastructure across the state.”
The premier congratulated Road and Maritime Services staff and Fulton Hogan contractors for keeping the job on track and on time.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said it was fantastic to see the highway upgrade reach this point.
“This project has been talked about since 1955 and for years people were promised investment in the Princes Highway,” he said.
“This is the largest ever single investment in the history of the Princes Highway and the largest infrastructure project in the history of the South Coast. A $580 million project that will not only see more people come to this region but improve road safety.”
The full Berry Bypass is on track to be opened in 2018.