The concept design for the long-awaited East Nowra Sub Arterial (ENSA) Road has been unveiled, with community consultation set to begin next year on what is being billed as one of Shoalhaven’s most significant transport projects.
The proposed road would create a new link between the Princes Highway and Greenwell Point Road, providing an alternative route for motorists travelling to Worrigee and coastal communities east of Nowra while helping ease pressure on the existing road network.
The NSW Government has committed $12 million through the Regional Roads Fund to support project management, investigations, design work and early construction activities.
According to the concept design, the road would bypass the Nowra CBD and remove more than 4,000 vehicles a day from local streets, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion at key intersections.
The draft design includes several major changes to the local road network, including the removal of the ageing Jane Street Bridge, widening North Street to two lanes in each direction, and converting Moss Street to two-way traffic. Plans also include upgrades to pedestrian and cycling connections, additional parking at Nowra High School, and the relocation and improvement of the school’s sporting fields.
Liza Butler said the project would deliver important infrastructure for a growing region.
“The NSW Government has listened to our community and is delivering on its commitment to invest in the infrastructure our growing region needs,” she said.
Butler said the road would help reduce pressure on the busy Kalandar Street and Princes Highway intersection while improving access between the highway, Worrigee and coastal villages east of Nowra.
Patricia White said the draft design would give residents their first detailed look at how the project could reshape traffic movements around the city.
“This project will introduce some significant changes to the way people move through Nowra,” Cr White said. “It will help ease congestion on the Princes Highway and significantly improve travel times for our community.”
Feedback on the concept design and draft Review of Environmental Factors will officially open in February 2027, giving residents, businesses and stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the proposal before it progresses further.
