'People power' has finally triumphed in the battle to see a significant overbridge reinstated in the massive Mount Ousley interchange road construction project. 

Costing $12 million, the shared pedestrian and cyclist bridge and path was in the original project plans, but in March 2024 it was removed to cut costs. That sparked a community outcry and for local MPs Alison Byrnes, Ryan Park and Paul Scully it was the final straw in what had been a public relations disaster for Transport for NSW.

In a joint statement at the time, they said, "...the earliest work on this project has been frustrating and challenging for nearby residents".

It was at a time when thousands of mature trees were being chopped down that the pedestrian bridge was dropped from the project without warning or consultation. The timing couldn't have been worse.

"There has been a lot of frustration," Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes said late last year. 

At the start of 2025, after intense lobbying, the bridge re-emerged as a potential reinclusion. 

On Thursday, Transport for NSW held a community information session at Mt Ousley Primary School where it was confirmed, after a year of uncertainty, that the 'missing bridge' is back.

In a July 2025 project update brochure handed out to concerned community members, the news was delivered in black and white.

"Following the completion of community consultation, the concept design for the Mount Ousley shared path bridge has now been finalised," the Transport for NSW update reported. 

"Following an environmental assessment and a period of detailed design, construction of the bridge and associated work is expected to start in 2026 and be completed in time for the opening of the Mount Ousley interchange.

"The shared path will provide a new, accessible and safe active transport connection for pedestrians and cyclists, that will allow cyclists to travel between the University of Wollongong and Wollongong TAFE precincts and suburbs to the north without the need to dismount."

The shared path news was greeted positively by the dozens who attended this week's community information session at Mount Ousley Primary.

Jenny O'Toole, who's lived in Mt Ousley for 31 years, was delighted. "Considering the bridge was scrapped, I'm happy that it's back. That's a good win for us all," she said.

Bridge build to start in 2026

Construction of the new shared path and bridge will start in 2026 and finish in time for the interchange opening, the government announced on Friday. The addition of the bridge, connecting paths and other minor enhancements has increased the total project cost from $390 to over $400 million, with both state and federal governments contributing funding.

Wollongong MP Paul Scully said the extra investment would deliver a better outcome and ensure that “this massive project will secure transport improvements for all users – from those on foot to those driving a B-double.”

Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes recognised the bridge was key to keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe, promoting active transport and linking the university and TAFE. “I’d also like to thank all the community representatives on the stakeholder working group for their collaboration in ensuring we get the best possible outcome on this critical project,” she said.

'Great win' for community advocates

Community groups that advocated for the Build Our Bridge campaign were: Neighbourhood Forums 4 and 5; the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group, Save Our Trees, Healthy Cities Australia and the Keiraville Residents Action Group (KRAG). Support also came from  Elonerà Montessori School at Mount Ousley, the Disability Trust and the local Aboriginal community representative.

NF5’s John Riggall said: “This is excellent news and a clear demonstration of how involving the community in decision making can result in great outcomes. NF5 was pleased to work with other community groups and concerned individuals and our politicians to get the bridge back on track’

NF4 representative Emma Rooksby said: “The reinstatement of the active travel bridge between UOW and Mount Ousley is a great win for local community advocates who have fought hard to see this happen. This bridge was a key part of the business case for the Mount Ousley Interchange project. Once completed, it  will make active travel from Mount Ousley, Balgownie and Mount Pleasant  much easier, restoring connectivity between those suburbs and the significant educational precinct to their south.

“I'm relieved for the community that federal and state government have agreed to reinstate the bridge."

Felix Bronneberg at KRAG also celebrated the win for people power, saying: “It’s great news for the community and is a demonstration of what can be achieved through combined community action. The bridge will not only benefit students and teaching staff but will also alleviate pressure on roads and public transport networks as well as promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Article updated on Friday, August 1.