The contractor for Wollongong City Council has begun work on the $5.6 million stage one Shone Avenue project at West Dapto.

The work site is currently being established and construction will begin next week on the realignment of Shone Ave and the replacement of the three-span, single lane bridge to improve safety and traffic capacity.

The Federal Government chipped in $14 million last year to help deliver the first two stages of construction in West Dapto, including a new bridge and road upgrades.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said: This project is an essential piece of the works around West Dapto to ensure we have greater connection between Horsley/West Dapto and the wider community through flood reliable roadways.

The Shone Avenue upgrades will improve sight lines, road widths and flood reliability. The existing low, narrow bridge and poor horizontal road alignment require vehicles to slow down and is also prone to frequent flooding.

The works will provide a significant improvement in terms of access along Shone Avenue with the proposed bridge and road being designed to be accessible in a one-in-100 year flood.

Improving road access to West Dapto is a priority for Council to support planned residential development in West Dapto and to improve access to the current residents of Horsley.