Transport for NSW announced the preferred strategic corridor option for the Moruya bypass project in May 2021 advising the community that their preferred bypass option would reduce congestion, improve connectivity, transport efficiency and safety for passing motorists and local transport users including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
They also advised that their preferred route would provide access to the new Eurobodalla Health Service.
They say "We have recently consulted with the wider community and continue to consult with landowners to help identify ways to minimise property and environmental impacts and determine more detailed features for the bypass design, including the location and design of the north and south connections and the exact route of the bypass."
The community has now become aware that Transport for NSW have a project team doing field investigations to get a better understanding of the environmental and geotechnical conditions along the preferred strategic corridor.
Causing some confusion is the statement by Transport for NSW saying "These studies are not indicative of the location of the preferred location of the bypass" having already stated where their preferred route is located.
Transport for NSW advise that their specialists have completed preliminary investigations of the preferred strategic corridor and will soon start visual inspections, mapping and detailed analysis of their investigations throughout the project area.
"From September 2021, we will undertake the following investigations within the preferred strategic corridor.
• Vegetation and local habitat surveys
• Aboriginal heritage surveys
• Geotechnical investigations
• Ground and utilities surveys
• Water quality sampling
• Noise monitoring
"We won’t need to access all properties within the investigation area. Impacted owners will be provided with more information before work starts. We will make every effort to reduce the amount of time we require access to property’s and will minimise noise and other disruptions caused by this work where possible."
While the work is being undertaken during NSW Lock-down Transport for NSW say "for your safety, all work will have COVIDSafe plans in place that considers work in the project area and travel to and from site. COVIDSafe plans incorporate up to date NSW Health advice."
A Transport for NSW spokesperson advised ACM "environmental studies would be carried out at properties in the preferred strategic corridor, commonly referred to as the "orange route".
"[Surveys will] help refine the location and features of the bypass while minimising environmental impacts," the spokesperson said.
"Transport for NSW continues to work with owners and ensures access is granted before entering a property."
The spokesperson said environmental surveys were deemed essential work in line with the NSW government criteria.
Above: The Transport for NSW preferred route will see 5.5km of elevated dual concrete carriageway run parallel to the Princes Highway across prime agricultural land. Farmers are concerned the pilons, 40m apart across the flood plain and sunk to unknown depths will bring salt and acid sulphates to the surface if exposed.
