Escarpment routes ruled out as Bulli bypass investigations progress
Investigations into potential options for a Bulli bypass have ruled out road connections via the Illawarra Escarpment to the M1 Princes Motorway or Bulli Pass
5 Dec 2025: Transport for NSW Media Release
Investigations into potential options for a Bulli bypass have ruled out road connections via the Illawarra Escarpment to the M1 Princes Motorway or Bulli Pass.
Transport for NSW is assessing the potential extension of Memorial Drive to provide a bypass of the Bulli town centre, while also exploring a range of alternative solutions to improve traffic flow, safety and local amenity.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration South, Cassandra Ffrench, said Transport has examined several bypass options linking Memorial Drive to the M1 Princes Motorway and Bulli Pass via the escarpment including tunnel and bridge options.
“The investigations found all escarpment connections would have significant environmental and cultural impacts on sensitive areas such as the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area and Illawarra Grevillea Park,” Ms Ffrench said.
“The steep terrain and history of underground coal mining also create complex engineering challenges that would make construction highly difficult and costly.
“Ruling out escarpment routes brings us a step closer to identifying the right solution to improve safety and travel reliability on the local road network.”
Work is continuing to explore other bypass options that start at Memorial Drive and extend north, with potential end points at various intersections along the corridor, including Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Ms Ffrench said ongoing investigation work will help ensure that any future upgrades are effective, aligned with community priorities and deliver real benefits for all road users.
“If a bypass is not found to be the most suitable solution, we still need a plan to improve safety and traffic flow. Any outcome needs to be practical, fit the local area and deliver genuine long-term benefits,” said Ms Ffrench.
The NSW Government has provided $20 million to support the investigations. An options report summarising findings will be released in 2026, with the community invited to provide feedback to help shape the final recommendations.
The latest information on the Bulli bypass is available here.
Work to improve traffic flow and provide more efficient and reliable journeys through Bulli town centre is now complete.
The upgrades include additional parking, enhanced pedestrian facilities, placemaking treatments, extended clearway hours, and changes to traffic flow along the Princes Highway, Station and Railway streets, and Park Road.
