A new road connecting Illaroo Road in Bangalee with Moss Vale Road at Bells Lane is now open, providing a vital link between Cambewarra and Nowra.

Fully funded by the Australian Government, the $35 million Far North Collector Road improves access to the new urban land release area of Badagarang and provides an alternative connection to the new Nowra Bridge.

Opened on Tuesday 6 August, the road will take traffic off the Princes Highway while reducing traffic times for residents who travel between North Nowra, Bomaderry and Cambewarra.

After consultation with local experts in local Dharawal language, Council has named the new connection Bannada Way. The word ‘bannada’ is southern Dharawal for Bomaderry Creek or ‘running water’.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the new road would "reduce congestion and ensure shorter travel times, which will keep motorists and pedestrians moving between Cambewarra and Nowra".

“We have stepped up to ensure final delivery of this critical piece of South Coast infrastructure, which will benefit the Shoalhaven and beyond for decades to come,” she added.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Philips was thrilled to see the road open and the associated pathways.

“The Albanese Government continues to deliver road safety projects that transform the lives of the Shoalhaven community," she said.

“The new bridge is reducing traffic congestion in the Nowra area, with the Far North Collector Road upgrades ensuring that as this popular region grows, its roads are ready for the increased demand.”

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said council was proud to have delivered the "city-shaping project" that provides residents with better connectivity and liveability.

“The community will benefit from reduced traffic and noise on Illaroo Road while being able to commute between the Nowra CBD and Cambewarra more conveniently," she said.

“I’d like to thank the Australian Government for helping us create this critical infrastructure in the Shoalhaven.”

Building the Far North Collector Road network included the construction of four new bridges, including the 108-metre-long bridge over Bomaderry Creek and floodplain, and three new roundabouts.

The project involved 60,000 tonnes of bridging and drainage layer (foundation improvement material), 6,000 tonnes of asphalt and 10,800 tonnes of concrete. 

The project supported 250 jobs during construction.

Now the road is open, Moss Vale Road has returned to two lanes of traffic where the final roundabout was being built.