It is understood that attendees to a recent invite only preview of the Moruya by-pass learnt that the intended route would be nearly as predicted by The Beagle on April Fools Day, 2019. The initial announcement of a Moruya by-pass stirred the community into speculating where it might go. Over the last year the job came down to the Transport Bypass Division of the RTA to undertake public consultation and to finalise their design based on traffic flows, tonnages and environmental factors. The Member for Bega, Andrew Constance had advised that the priority for the design and corridor of the by-pass was critical to the location of the new Regional Hospital and that one must come before the other to ensure there is no conflict. From the presentation to Council, chamber and invitees it now appears that the by-pass for Moruya will, as predicted, utilise the existing un-formed Crown Road Reserves of Main Street on Mullenderre and William Street that runs from the southern bank of the Moruya River towards the Moruya TAFE.
Above: The bypass is via existing unformed Crown Road Reserves. This keeps costs low as there is minimal land acquisition
It is understood that the final design of the bridge has not been signed off though the suggestion remains to build one in the theme of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate the connection between Moruya and its granite to that iconic structure.
Above: The new four lane Moruya Bridge could pay respect to Bradfield and his design for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The winning design could pay homage to Bradfields first "trial run" being the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle, England and to his insistence that Moruya granite be used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Above: to ensure navigability of the river bridge height will need to be considered to allow taller vessels to pass under and moor in Moruya
Below: It is understood that overpasses will be considered to minimise disruption to those accessing North Head Road, Moruya Sewer Treatment Plant and South Head Road residents.
The intention of utilising the unformed Crown Road reserves of Main Street and William Street is sound and will save considerable time. From an environmental perspective the route of the bypass, if the option (as it is understood) goes ahead, will traverse over wetlands which are of little use to the community as they are often flooded with Ryans Creek now little more than a stagnant urban stormwater drainage line. The Beagle has learnt that the community will be informed officially of the confirmed route and design by the end of the year.
