Work expected to commence in July will see the relocation of the Marine Drive layover to Aitchison Street.
The new site at Atchison Street will include a two-metre-wide public shared pathway to link to Auburn Street, multiple exit and entry points for buses, toilets and lunchroom facilities.
The Aitchison Street site was identified as best meeting requirements following an examination of more than 20 locations throughout Wollongong.
Transport for NSW expects work to begin in coming months.
Transport for NSW is working closely with Wollongong Council on the changes and finalising the Review of Environmental Factors and the new bus schedules.
Work to construct the new layover is expected to begin in July and be completed in time for the World Triathlon Championship to be held in Wollongong in October.
Once construction of the new layover starts, public access to the site will be permanently restricted.
While work is underway to prepare the Aitchison Street layover nearby residents and businesses will notice additional noise and lighting with residents to be notified prior to work commencing of the full work program.
Transport for NSW has been working closely with bus operators and driver representatives to minimise the disruption to passengers.
The change to the layover will require updates to timetables. Revised timetables will be made available prior to any service changes taking place.
More information on the project can be found at nswroads.work/wollongongbuslayover
Quote attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
“The relocation of the now decades-old temporary bus layover to a new permanent home at Aitchison Street is a win for the city.
“The change will not only allow a major global event to take place in the city in October but it also allows beachside parking to be returned to the public for locals and visitors alike while providing new facilities for bus drivers and a better bus service to the city.
“There has been a lot of cooperation between Transport for NSW, Wollongong City Council, Premier Illawarra, Dion’s Bus Service and the Transport Workers Union to get to this point but the positive engagement will deliver a good outcome for bus passengers, a safe location for drivers and a better allocation of scarce parking in the city.”
Quote attributable to Wollongong City Council Director Infrastructure and Works, Joanne Page:
“Lang Park has been identified as a key recreational space for our residents and visitors. Council has a long-term vision to improve accessibility to this precinct’s beaches, parks, restaurants and cafes and entertainment venues. This includes providing much-needed additional foreshore parking.
“Council continues to have constructive conversations with Transport for NSW about their works schedule. There are no immediate changes to how licence holders use the Atchison Street car park at this time. We are committed to keeping licence holders updated as this project moves forward.”
