A shared path and accessible pedestrian and cycling bridge have been reintegrated into the Mount Ousley interchange project following overwhelming support from the community.
The major infrastructure project, which is jointly funded by the state and federal governments, originally included plans for a shared path and active transport bridge, but these features were scrapped due to design issues and budget constraints.
During a community consultation following this decision, Transport for NSW received 233 pieces of feedback, with more than 80% of respondents agreeing that the shared path bridge would improve access to key destinations and encourage walking and riding in the area.
The state government has now added $12 million to the project budget to accommodate the bridge and shared path, bringing the total budget to around $400 million.
The bridge will provide a safer alternative to crossing Mount Ousley Road for pedestrians and riders and create a valuable link to surrounding suburbs and key destinations, including the University of Wollongong and TAFE.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said: "The community has spoken loud and clear – this bridge is a much-needed link that will make it safer and easier to walk or cycle across Mount Ousley Road.
"It's fantastic to see overwhelming local support helping drive this project forward."
Design work is now underway. Construction of the new shared path and bridge will begin in 2026 and be completed in 2028.
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