MOTORISTS will be given a ‘‘preview’’ of the improved driving conditions created by the $329 million Princes Highway upgrade at Gerringong. 

A significant milestone has been reached as part of the upgrade, with traffic to be diverted onto the new northbound lanes at the north and south ends of the project.

Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward inspected the works on Wednesday. 

Mr Gay said the state government has provided $329 million to upgrade 7.5 kilometres of the Princes Highway, including two new interchanges which provide access to Gerringong and Gerroa, by mid-2015, weather permitting. 

‘‘This will give motorists a preview of the better driving conditions the project will deliver, with motorists able to travel along a combined 4.4 kilometres of new roadway at the northern and southern ends of the project,’’ he said. 

Traffic was moved onto the newly built northbound lanes between Fern Street and Mt Pleasant on July 11. 

This week traffic will be moved onto the new northbound lanes between Toolijooa Road and the Gerringong bends.

Mr Ward said this would allow work to continue on the new southbound lanes as part of the highway upgrade.

‘‘The traffic diversion also allows work to start on the new intersection on the Princes Highway at Toolijooa Road,’’ he said. 

‘‘Once built, this intersection will provide a right turn lane for northbound motorists turning into Toolijooa Road and a highway merge lane for motorists travelling from Toolijooa Road heading north.’’

To allow this work to progress, the existing overtaking lane near Toolijooa Road will be closed and a right turn bay installed to improve road safety for those accessing local properties.

A temporary intersection allowing access to and from Fern Street will also be provided to the north of the existing intersection.