Investigation works have been initiated for the proposed interchange at the base of Mount Ousley in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, for improving safety and traffic efficiency.

Over the past two years, the NSW government has allocated A$1m ($73,772) towards the project with a further A$1m ($73,772)  allocated in 2016/17 to continue planning.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward said: “A contract was awarded last month for the design and environmental assessment, and investigation work has started this week.

"This report outlines activities carried out during the display of the preferred option earlier this year and provides a summary of the questions raised by stakeholders and the community."

"The investigations include biodiversity, noise and survey work and will be carried out from Monday 21 November for around two weeks, weather permitting.

“In addition to the start of investigation work, Roads and Maritime Services has released the preferred option consultation summary report.

"This report outlines activities carried out during the display of the preferred option earlier this year and provides a summary of the questions raised by stakeholders and the community.

“To allow the community more time to better understand the proposal, the consultation period was extended by two weeks."

The proposed interchange project will see replacement of existing intersection at the base of Mount Ousley Road with a new interchange that will feature an additional access point to the University of Wollongong.

The interchange project will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion and provide improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities.