Far North Collector Road Network

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Project transitioned to web project page.

The Far North Collector Road will link Illaroo Road (near the western end of West Cambewarra Road, Bangalee) to Moss Vale Road (at Bells Lane) in Cambewarra. The project commenced with preliminary stages investigating initial land acquisitions, project development, survey and design.

Background

The Far North Collector Road Network project is an integral component of the strategic overarching “Preferred Road Network” adopted with the Nowra Bomaderry Structure Plan. This plan provides a planning framework for the growth of Nowra-Bomaderry.

The plan’s concept was developed in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. It’s was adopted by

Project transitioned to web project page.

The Far North Collector Road will link Illaroo Road (near the western end of West Cambewarra Road, Bangalee) to Moss Vale Road (at Bells Lane) in Cambewarra. The project commenced with preliminary stages investigating initial land acquisitions, project development, survey and design.

Background

The Far North Collector Road Network project is an integral component of the strategic overarching “Preferred Road Network” adopted with the Nowra Bomaderry Structure Plan. This plan provides a planning framework for the growth of Nowra-Bomaderry.

The plan’s concept was developed in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. It’s was adopted by Shoalhaven City Council on 24 October 2006 and ultimately endorsed by the NSW Government on the 25 February 2008.

For further information on the Nowra Bomaderry Structure Plan, you can view the Map 2008 (PDF 2MB), Strategic Direction (PDF 18MB) and Background Document (PDF 17MB).

The Nowra Bomaderry Structure Plan strategy identified a suite of new roads and road upgrades required to accommodate the growth envisaged under the plan to a reasonable level of service. These and other roads are outlined in the Nowra Key Roads Document Strategic Overview (PDF 2.1MB).

Project Objectives

As an integral component of the adopted Nowra Bomaderry Structure Plan, the Far North Collector Road Network project will:

  • Assist to reduce traffic volumes on Illaroo Road (currently the only access into/out of North Nowra) and alleviate traffic congestion near the Shoalhaven River Bridge crossing
  • Allow new growth from the Moss Vale Road (South) Urban Release Area to access North Nowra directly (mitigating the impacts of the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area’s on the State Road network) i.e. without the Far North Collector Road Network the full impacts of the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area’s would be absorbed by the State Road network (Moss Vale Road and the Princes Highway)
  • Alleviate local access problems during construction of the Moss Vale Road (South) Urban Release Area.

Further information on the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas can be found on the Planning for Growth Nowra-Bomaderry project page.

Given the issues Council has faced to date preventing the construction of the North Nowra-Bomaderry Link Road (NNLR), the Far North Collector Road Network provides an important first stage solution for North Nowra traffic whilst the other key links are still being explored.

The Far North Collector Road Network offers Council and the community a first step solution to the traffic congestion on Illaroo Road ahead of the North Nowra-Bomaderry link road (albeit with marginal relief compared to what was proposed to be achieved with the link road). Also importantly, the Far North Collector Road Network will facilitate urban release development approvals in the Moss Vale Road development precinct.

Expected Benefits

In addition to addressing the above project objectives, the Far North Collector Road Network is expected to:

  • Improved local road capacity
  • Minimise vehicle kilometres travelled and vehicle minutes travelled on the broader road network, providing travel time and vehicle operating cost savings and reduced emissions pollution (minimising environmental impacts)
  • Benefit emergency response times with improved traffic conditions and second access to North Nowra
  • Provide social benefits via improved traffic conditions and second access to North Nowra
  • Reduce crashes along Illaroo Road by reducing traffic volumes (a proportion of traffic, approximately 15-20%, will shift from Illaroo Road to the Far North Collector Road Network)
  • Reduce traffic noise and improve amenity along Illaroo Road by reducing traffic volumes
  • Facilitate access to the Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area resolving local land/housing pressure and creating jobs
  • Alleviate local access problems associated with construction of the Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area (minimising the impact of the sub-division development on existing residents by the construction of an upgraded access via Taylors Lane) in turn improving conditions on the State Road network (Moss Vale Road and the Princes Highway)
  • Increase employment opportunities - as over the life of the Far North Collector Road Network project as it is estimated that the design/construction of the Network is likely to generate an estimated 50 jobs.

The Far North Collector Road Network is expected to be complete by mid-2023, however, Council is endeavouring to complete the works earlier if possible.

  • Roundabout Completed at Illaroo Road, North Nowra and West Cambewarra Road, Bangalee

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Shoalhaven City Council opened the roundabout at Illaroo Road, North Nowra and West Cambewarra Road, Bangalee on 1 March 2021.

    As the design of the Project has progressed, Council has identified a need for additional funds to address potential flood impacts. Council has applied for further funding from the Federal Government and is awaiting final approval.

    Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is pleased with the progress to date.

    “It’s a big project with a few more stages to come and continued progress is a priority for Council,” Clr Findley said.

    The next stages of the project will involve;

    • the connection of Far North Collector to Moss Vale Road. This intersection is being designed and will require Transport for New South Wales approval as Moss Vale Road is a State road.
    • the connection from Moss Vale Road to Illaroo Road, and
    • the connection from Far North Collector to Taylors Road.
  • Illaroo Road Update - December 2020

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    The kerbing has been completed on the new roundabout at Illaroo Road and West Cambewarra Road. Installation of the utilities is nearing completion.

    Due to the unfavourable weather conditions recently, the pavement will be constructed after the Christmas break.

    During the Christmas break two way traffic will be open with traffic management signs and water barriers in place to direct traffic. The speed will be limited to 20km/hr.

  • Project Update - November 2020

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Council has engaged Menai Civil Contractors to construct the new roundabout at Illaroo Road and West Cambewarra Road.

    Works commenced from 12 October 2020 with tree clearing, service relocation work, and construction of temporary pavement.

    Work will be carried out between the hours of 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday.

    The Contractors are required to keep the residents updated if there are any change to these working hours.

  • Sod Turning to Begin First Construction Stage of the Far North Collector Road

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Shoalhaven City Council's Mayor Amanda Findley turned the first sod today to begin construction of the Far North Collector Road Project which will eventually link North Nowra with Moss Vale Road, Cambewarra.

    The roundabout at Illaroo Rd, North Nowra and West Cambewarra Road, Bangalee is the first construction stage of the Far North Collector Road Network Project with the roundabout expected to be completed by December 2020.

    Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley thanked the Federal Government for the 13.8 million dollar grant towards the project.

    "The Far North Collector Road Network provides an important first stage solution to alleviate the traffic congestion on Illaroo Road by providing traffic with an alternate access point to North Nowra," said Clr Findley.

    "The road will have numerous benefits including reduced travel time, reduced traffic noise on Illaroo Road, better emergency response times with improved traffic conditions and reduced emissions pollution," she said.

    The design/construction of the Network is expected to generate an estimated 50 jobs with the entire road expected to be complete by December 2022.

    "The road will have numerous benefits including reduced travel time, reduced traffic noise on Illaroo Road, better emergency response times with improved traffic conditions and reduced emissions pollution," she said.


  • Progress Update – March 2020

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    10 March 2020

    Far North Collector
    Investigation and design of the required level of the road and the size of drainage structures continues.

    Fill for the road construction continues to be added to the stockpile site off Illaroo Road.

    The design for the roundabout at the southern connection (the intersection of Illaroo Road and West Cambewarra Road) were completed. Early works, including services relocation, begins in March 2020 with full construction of the roundabout due to begin in July 2020. Construction of the roundabout is expected to be completed by December 2020.

    Taylors Lane
    It is proposed to use the new Far North Collector Road for access to Taylors Lane and close the current Taylors Lane / Moss Vale Road intersection for enhanced road safety. Council has developed a number of options for the alignment of Taylors Lane. These options have been put on Public Exhibition until 13 March 2020.
  • Progress Update - August 2019

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    28 August 2019

    Far North Collector

    Council has now resolved the Adopted Alignment which minimises interference with the easements for electricity and gas and is working on the preferred design for culverts and a bridge to be constructed over Bomaderry Creek.

    Taylors Lane

    It is proposed to use the new Far North Collector Road for access to Taylors Lane and close the current Taylors Lane / Moss Vale Road intersection for enhanced road safety. Council is presently investigating options on the best way to widen Taylors Lane in consideration of the proposed Urban Release Area (URA).

    The road is being widened and will serve as access to the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area west and north of Taylors Lane.

    The investigation has been refined to four options in the eastern part of the road being:

    1. Maintain the southern boundary and stand of trees and widen northwards
    2. Retain both stands of trees and build a totally new road to the north
    3. Maintain the northern boundary and stand of trees and widen southwards
    4. Maintain the existing centreline in accordance with the Development Control Plan for the URA. This alignment then matches with the proposed URA for Taylors Lane access, however, removes both stands of the existing trees. If Option 4 is selected, Council will undertake offset planting in the area of similar or suitable species. This option also results in council developing the road, and including designed street trees with controlled access locations for the pending individual residential lots.
  • Project Update

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    17 July 2019

    Since Council completed the field survey and developed a Preliminary Alignment, the project has been advanced to the Preferred Alignment stage.

    The Preliminary Alignment improved the location or the proposed road, shown in the aerial site map on this project page, by skirting the electrical and gas easements providing reduced impact, and also resulting in less impact to the land owners.

    In August, Council will review the work of staff with a view to determining an Adopted Alignment. This milestone sets the path for the future work which will include:

    • Subsurface investigations to assess ground conditions and design the road pavement
    • Assessment of the potential flooding effects resulting from the Far North Collector Road and methodology for alleviation
    • Design of a bridge over Bomaderry Creek and culverts to manage stormwater
    • Land acquisitions, including changes to the terms of existing easements
    • Environmental investigations during winter and summer
    • Reporting of Aboriginal Archaeological investigations
    • The design of the northern connection which is proposed to be a signaled intersection at Moss Vale Road / Bells Lane, Cambewarra catering for the pending Urban Release Area north of Moss Vale Road and future traffic modelling

    The Taylors Lane intersection with Moss Vale Road is proposed to be closed. Taylors Lane is to be widened to serve as an access to the proposed Urban Release Area south of Moss Vale Road from the Far North Collector Road. This is shown in the above plan. Council is also investigating options for the redevelopment of Taylors Lane.

    Due to the significant amount of fill material required to construct the road above the flood plain, Council has now prepared two sites to store suitably graded material. These fill sites are located west of the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex, and off Moss Vale Road. These sites are locked and have restricted access. Fill is relocated from other Council sites but only following strict investigations, classifications and laboratory testing. The community will see stockpiles grow from June 2019 through to the completion of the Far North Collector Road. The time frame set for the project is completion by December 2022.

  • Progress Update

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    11 March 2019

    Council has now completed the field survey and developed a Preliminary Alignment. ‘Preliminary’ as it remains subject to sub-ground and stormwater investigations.

    The Preliminary Alignment has improved the alignment, shown in the aerial site map on this project page, by skirting the electrical and gas easements providing reduced impact, and also resulting in less impact to the land owners.

    This work is programmed to be further developed into a Far North Collector Preferred Alignment for Council to consider as its Adopted Alignment.

  • Progress Update

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    17 December 2018

    The Commonwealth Government approved a provisional sum of $13,800,000 to progress the Far North Collector Road Network in July 2018.

    Council engaged a suitably experienced road design consultant to review the known data (including current Nowra bypass corridors and service corridors) and to provisionally design the northern and southern connection points of the road.

    The Southern connection with Illaroo Road (at the junction of West Cambewarra Road) will provide for an all-vehicle roundabout.

    At the northern connection with Moss Vale Road traffic lights are proposed. The signals will be designed to cater for the Urban Release Area north of Moss Vale Road, and a connection to Bells Lane.

    As indicated in the concept drawing it is proposed to reconfigure Taylors Lane with the following key changes occurring;
    1. Connect Taylors Lane to the Far North Collector Road via a roundabout
    2. Close the existing Taylors Lane connection to Moss Vale Road
    3. Widen Taylors Lane from 10m to 20m for a stretch that connects to the Moss Vale Urban Release Area
    4. Protect a large stand of mature trees along Taylors Lane
    The Far North Collector Road conceptual alignment (indicated in the concept drawing) must be located in consideration to the known flooding of Bomaderry Creek. Just how close the actual alignment will get to the waterway will be determined during the detailed design phase.

    Council hopes to commence the detailed design process in March 2019 and will be in a position in July 2019 to better estimate construction costs and delivery milestones.
  • Progress Update

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    September 2018

    Council received Commonwealth grant funding assistance to work on the Far North Collector Road Network and has undertaken a review of the Preferred Project Report. This is a greenfield proposal scheduled to connect Illaroo Road, North Nowra with Moss Vale Road between Cambewarra and North Bomaderry.

    The new road will alleviate the need for motorists to use roadwork network sub-arterial Illaroo Road from its connexion with the Princes Highway when travelling to and from northern destinations.
    The next step in the process is to identify issues that may affect the proposed road’s alignment. To do this Council will consider minimising the number of property acquisitions, research local Aboriginal heritage issues, flora and fauna, and flooding of the Bomaderry Creek.

    Safety will be a prime consideration and addressing the resulting increase in traffic using moss Vale Road the design will aim at a controlled intersection to accommodate the Far North Collector Road with Moss Vale Road at Bells Lane. Due to the close proximity of Taylors Lane, the design will consider relocating access to Taylors Lane from the new Collector Road and close the current intersection for improved safety.

    The Nowra Bomaderry Structure Plan adopted in 2014 plans the release of new residential areas around Taylors Lane and also north of Moss Vale Road.

    Council has engaged an engineering consultancy firm to firstly design the north and south connexions for the Far North Collector Road. Council intends working with the NSW RMS with the proposed road’s northern link. In parallel, Council will work on establishing a basic alignment through the now rural fields enabling further investigations and negotiations with land owners related to this proposal.
Page last updated: 11 Sep 2023, 03:39 PM