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 it to a doctor’s appointment can become logistical nightmares as the crush of holiday traffic clogs the highway.

With data from this roads study, we should expect the RMS to get an in-depth understanding of the kilometres long tailbacks that periodically plague our region. 

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. 

It affects our shopping patterns. And it affects our eardrums. Imagine being able to walk what is our main street without being assaulted by the deafening noise of trucks lumbering up or downshifting down the hill.

Comparisons are often made between Milton and Berry. And certainly there’s a similar leafy ambience (but, let’s face it, Milton is much prettier).

If all goes to plan, before the end of the month Berry will see the end of highway traffic travelling its main street and causing nightmarish traffic jams in holiday times.

The opening of the bypass, expected by the end of July, will transform the town and, most importantly, improve the quality of life for residents.

We imagine a similar transformation in our neck of the woods should a bypass become reality. 

The only way to make it a reality is to start the process, which we hope this traffic study will do. 

Highway improvements north of Nowra will increase traffic flows to the entire South Coast. The last thing we want is to see Berry’s traffic jam simply moved to Milton Ulladulla.

This roads study is a step in the right direction.