Excitement ran high last Friday as traffic flowed across the much-anticipated Burrill Lake Bridge.
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Arguably one of the most excited would have to have been Mollymook’s Anthony (AJ) Rowe of Mollymook who, along with his wife Terri, waited to be the first two cars to cross the bridge.
Anthony put it perfectly. “It was such a proud feeling. So many guys have put blood, sweat and tears into that bridge.”
Finishing six months ahead of schedule is certainly something to be very proud of, and our congratulations go out to everyone involved in the massive undertaking.
However, the October long weekend once again reminded us of something we’re in desperate need of – the Milton-Ulladulla bypass.
We welcomed the influx of tourists and holidaymakers to our beautiful part of the world, but what we weren’t so keen on was the traffic jams.
The stop/go signs at the Milton pedestrian crossing were in full force and traffic was banked right back to Lake Conjola and Lake Tabourie at times.
It was busy, but nothing compared to what this Christmas, and many before it, will be like. Ulladulla businessman Craig Saunders said he recalls talking about the bypass in 1983 and the plan to have it completed by 2002.
Residents are only too familiar with the way the highway morphs into a car park during holiday periods. Simple errands like getting the shopping done or making an appointment can become logistical nightmares as the crush of holiday traffic clogs the highway.
Holiday traffic is only one dimension in the argument for a bypass. The amenity and potential of our two centres is also in play. Truncated by the Princes Highway, Ulladulla’s potential will always be held back having this major artery running through its centre. The highway is the great dividing line that disconnects our CBD somewhat from our beautiful harbour.
Comparisons are often made between Berry and Milton, and the opening of the Berry bypass in July has transformed the town. Businesses report better trade and residents say they feel their quality of life is better.
We want that for our town and its residents. Let’s keep up the pressure and hopefully Saunders’ claims that he “doesn’t think he’ll see the bypass in his lifetime” don’t prove true.