Work starts on long-awaited access ramps

EMMA SPILLETT

CONSTRUCTION of the access ramps to the Kiama Bypass has began and is expected to be completed by late 2008.

Member for Kiama Matt Brown said on Friday that work would begin this week on the construction of the northbound on-load ramp, which is on Bland St.

Construction of the southbound off-load ramp at Munna Munnora Creek is expected to start later this year.

Mr Brown was confident the work would be finished on schedule.

"The beginning of construction of the access ramps has been a long-time coming " it's great to see the ground being broken and work starting," he said.

Mr Brown believes the ramps will provide better roads and will aid in decreasing congestion in the area.

"The ramps will reduce congestion in the Kiama town centre and will significantly decrease traffic times, making the streets safer," he said.

Funding of the construction has been provided by the State Government, which has devoted nearly $10 million to the project. Construction of the southbound ramp had been delayed due to the discovery of Aboriginal artefacts in the area, however, Mr Brown said all issues of heritage had been addressed and nothing would delay future building.

"The RTA has promised us that there will be no further delays in construction " they have allowed us to build the two ramps simultaneously and we are hopeful that all construction will be completed on time," he said.

Mr Brown was adamant construction would not affect any of the natural surrounds of the ramp sites and he was committed to ensuring the environment was preserved.

"Construction of the southbound ramp has been developed to allow for the preservation of the wetlands and many of the historical fig trees that stand in the area," he said.

The ramp locations were selected after a thorough evaluation of local engineering and extensive consultation with Kiama Council, the emergency services and the community.

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