The Minns Labor Government is taking action to improve safety on the intersection of the Princes Highway and Mortimer Road at Falls Creek, south of Nowra.
Motorists will no longer be able to turn right into or out of Mortimer Road at the intersection, with a painted median and flexible bollards, new signage, updated line marking and minor shoulder widening supporting the safer arrangement.
The right turn restriction will come into place in the coming weeks and follows a comprehensive safety investigation by Transport for NSW, which identified an emerging pattern of rear-end crashes involving northbound vehicles waiting to turn right from the Princes Highway into Mortimer Road.
The investigation was carried out following recent serious crashes at or near the intersection, including one that sadly claimed the lives of two people in June this year.
Once the right turn restrictions are in place, northbound motorists on the Princes Highway will be able to access Mortimer Road via Gardner Road and the Jervis Bay Interchange, which is expected to open in the coming weeks.
Motorists travelling from Mortimer Road or Gardner Road wanting to travel northbound using the Princes Highway will also use the new interchange.
Left-turn access at the intersection will be maintained.
Transport for NSW will keep motorists and the local community informed ahead of the change.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“Following a number of incidents at this intersection, we’re making a simple, common-sense change that’ll reduce the risk of accidents, by preventing vehicles from slowing or stopping in the northbound lane while waiting to turn across highway traffic.
“This change follows a comprehensive investigation by Transport for NSW after a series of serious crashes at or near the intersection, including the crash which resulted in two fatalities in June. My thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
“Just yesterday, we released our 2031 Road Safety Action Plan. One of the key focuses of the Plan is strengthening road safety at high-risk regional roads like this one.
“I know any change to how people get around takes some adjustment, but I’m asking all motorists to please follow the signage, respect the right turn bans and do the right thing.”
Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
“Residents across the region use the Princes Highway every day to get to work, school and appointments, and they deserve to know these journeys are as safe as possible.
“This intersection has been a real concern for the community, and I welcome Transport for NSW acting on what its investigation found.
“Removing right turns here takes away the risk of vehicles stopped in a highway lane, which is exactly the kind of practical fix that saves lives.
“I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements before they come into effect and to allow a little extra time while they get used to the change.”
Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:
“The community has been deeply affected by the crashes at this intersection, and I know many locals have been calling for action to make it safer.
“This change gives northbound motorists a safer way to reach Mortimer Road and Gardner Road through the new Jervis Bay Road interchange, rather than waiting to turn across a busy highway.
“Left-turn access will stay in place, and coordinating the change with the reopening of the Jervis Bay Road right turn means disruption for locals will be kept to a minimum.
“I thank Transport for NSW for its thorough investigation and the community for its patience as this important safety work is delivered.”
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