Works have commenced this week to deliver important safety upgrades to Appin Road in Campbelltown, a key arterial connecting south-western Sydney with the Illawarra.
The works have been approved by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to improve road safety and support the delivery of new homes in the area.
The developer-funded $170m road works package includes widening Appin Road from a two-lane to four-lane dual carriage way, new signalised intersections from Appin Road into the Figtree Hill community and delivering koala protections such as underpasses and fencing.
Following the establishment of site facilities and traffic controls, the first phase of works will include the removal of approved vegetation and trees along Appin Road.
This will improve safety for motorists and prepare the area ahead of main works.
The first phase of works also includes the installation of five kilometres of koala fencing along Appin Road, between Noorumba Reserve and Beulah.
Fauna and ecological experts will be present during the removal of vegetation, which will be undertaken in accordance with environmental approvals.
To minimise disruption and maintain safety for road users and workers, tree removal will mostly take place at night, from 7pm-6am.
During night works, motorists can expect some traffic changes from Noorumba Reserve to Beulah including reduced speed limits, lane closure, and intermittent stop/slow traffic conditions.
Site establishment, tree removal and fence installation will take approximately four months.
This will be followed by road widening, construction of koala underpasses and delivery of a new intersection into Figtree Hill which will enable 450 purchasers to start construction on their new home.
Electronic signage will be installed to advise motorists of changes to traffic conditions as the works progress, with every effort made to minimise disruption.
Traffic management plans for the road works have been developed in partnership with TfNSW.
The Appin Road upgrade will deliver economic benefits and support the employment of 50 personnel during peak times.
“The Campbelltown community has waited too long for these safety upgrades and that’s why we’re so pleased to finally see these works begin,’’ says Brendan O’Brien, head of NSW communities at Lendlease.
“These works will mean a safer road for everyone, including wildlife and it also means that home building can start later this year.
“During this time, we’ll keep motorists and the community updated and we ask motorists in the area to follow directions of signage and traffic controllers.
“We’ll take every measure to minimise disruption, which is why some of the initial works will be undertaken at night,” Mr O’Brien said.
