Mawson Lakes residents will enjoy greater access across the whole community with the opening of the new Shoalhaven Bridge to traffic early September.
Linking Mawson Lakes’ Shoalhaven village with Mawson Central, the bridge across Dry Creek provides residents with easier access to Mawson Central, Elder Smith Road and the Salisbury Highway. Later in September, pedestrians will also be able to use the bridge for easier access to the Mawson Lakes Transit Interchange.
The bridge will be complemented by the development of nature reserves and hike and bike paths on both sides of Dry Creek. The recreation areas are expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
The bridge also takes into consideration the delicate wetland system in the area by dividing the fresh Dry Creek water from the saline Bennett Creek water. The bridge allows the fresh water to flow into the wetland system, while diverting the saline water toward the sea.
Mawson Lakes Project Director Vince Rigter said the new bridge was the final link for Shoalhaven residents who previously could only enter and exit the village onto the Salisbury Highway.
“Shoalhaven residents will be able to travel along Elder Drive into Mawson Central and left onto Elder Smith Road. For those heading east, a route has been constructed under the Transit Interchange for vehicles to travel through to The Cascades and onto Elder Smith Road,” he said.
“Importantly, a new bus route is also expected to be developed to take advantage of the new bridge and give residents greater public transport access. Details of this will be announced when confirmed.
Mr Rigter said the bridge was integral to the current development of the Mawson Central business and residential precinct on the western side of the train line.
“This area will reflect the existing Mawson Central precinct on the eastern side of the train line, with a range of businesses expected to begin opening their doors here from next year, including a café/bakery, pizzeria, Indian restaurant and hair salon,” he said.
Mr Rigter said the aesthetic works on Shoalhaven Bridge would continue after it opened to traffic.
“A series of vertical columns will be added along the side of the bridge, providing contrast to the horizontal structure. These columns will reflect the contemporary nature of Mawson Lakes and will be downlit to offer a visual appearance at night and provide lighting for pedestrians.
More information and maps of the new Shoalhaven Bridge, its completion and access routes at Mawson Lakes is available at the Mawson Lakes Community website – www.mawsonlakescommunity.com.au.
Mawson Lakes is being developed by Delfin Lend Lease and Land Management Corporation, and will eventually house approximately 10,000 people in 4,000 homes with 7,500 workers and 7,000 students.
For more information, interviews or images contact:
Matthew Hart / Liz Christiansen, BBS, 07 3221 6711
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