The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to improve safety and reliability on Heathcote Road, with a $180 million upgrade approved and a design and construction contract awarded to Ertech.
The project will widen this constrained section of road, including delivering a 900-metre westbound overtaking lane between the Woronora River and New Illawarra Road, building on the benefits delivered through the duplication of the Woronora River bridge.
Improving overall road safety, this extension will improve traffic flow for motorists travelling uphill, reduce delays, and provide a safer opportunity to overtake slower vehicles.
It will also improve network resilience by allowing vehicles to safely pass breakdowns and incidents, helping traffic flow through this critical corridor.
The design has been developed to respond to the challenging terrain, including steep cliffs and dense vegetation, while incorporating measures to manage environmental impacts and improve koala safety outcomes.
Transport for NSW consulted with the community on the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF) in late 2025, inviting feedback on environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures.
Feedback from the community and stakeholders helped inform the final design, with input received on traffic management, road safety, construction timing and potential impacts to biodiversity, noise and local amenity.
Transport for NSW thanks the community for their input and patience as planning progresses towards construction in this complex environment.
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart said:
“This $180 million investment from the Minns Labor Government is the next step in upgrading Heathcote Road, a key route connecting Sydney’s south and west with Wollongong and the South Coast.
“More than 22,000 motorists use this road every day, and this extension builds on the safety and reliability gains already delivered through the new Woronora River bridge and surrounding upgrades.
“This is a challenging corridor, but we’ve already shown we can deliver here, rebuilding flood-damaged sections and duplicating the bridge despite 13 flood events.
“This upgrade will make it safer to overtake, reduce delays for uphill traffic and improve resilience when incidents occur on this constrained section of road.
“I thank the community for their feedback and patience, and I congratulate Ertech on being awarded the contract to deliver this important project.”
MEDIA: Lachlan Wilkinson | Maryanne Stuart | 9548 0144
