Major Closure on Harry Graham Drive and Keira St Works Lead Thursday's Traffic

Thursday Morning Traffic and Commute Overview

Commuters across Wollongong and the Illawarra region should prepare for several significant road closures and localized roadworks this Thursday, January 22, 2026. While major arteries like the M1 Princes Motorway and Memorial Drive are currently flowing without reported incidents, several long-term projects and suburban upgrades are expected to impact travel times throughout the day. Drivers are advised to allow for extra buffer time, particularly when traveling through the western escarpment and the Wollongong CBD.

Major Arteries and Significant Closures

The most notable disruption for residents in the heights is the ongoing closure of Harry Graham Drive. As of Monday, January 19, the road has been fully closed to all traffic at Kembla Heights, specifically near the O’Briens Management Trail. This closure is part of a major road stabilization project by the Wollongong City Council and Transport for NSW, involving sheet piling and embankment reinforcement. The drive is expected to remain inaccessible for several months, requiring regular users to utilize alternative routes such as Mount Keira Road or the M1.

Furthermore, motorists using the Illawarra Highway should exercise caution at Macquarie Pass. Essential slope stabilization work continues between Tongarra Mine Road and Mount Murray Road. While the pass remains open, traffic control is frequently in place, which may result in short delays. Additionally, preliminary work for a new pedestrian refuge on the Illawarra Highway at Albion Park is underway, so keep an eye out for changed conditions in that precinct.

Localized Roadworks and Suburban Impact

Wollongong City Council has a busy schedule of road resurfacing and maintenance for the week. Commuters should be mindful of 'stop/slow' traffic control and potential detours in the following areas:

• Wollongong CBD: Maintenance works on Keira Street may cause minor delays for those heading into the city center.
• Fairy Meadow: Roadworks are scheduled for Helen Brae Avenue and Garratt Avenue.
• Figtree: Upgrades are continuing at the Figtree Oval Carpark and along Jacaranda Avenue.
• Corrimal & Mount Pleasant: Expect crews on Eager Street (Corrimal) and Ramah Avenue (Mount Pleasant).
• Southern Suburbs: Work is also flagged for Avondale Road in Avondale and River Oak Road in Farmborough Heights.

Public Transport and Rail Updates

The South Coast Line is operating on a standard weekday timetable today with no major disruptions reported between Bomaderry, Wollongong, and Sydney. However, commuters planning ahead for the weekend should note that significant trackwork is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Friday evening, which will affect services through the Sydney CBD. For today, bus services are running as normal, though they may face slight delays when navigating the active roadwork zones in suburbs like Fairy Meadow and Figtree.

Lastly, with the school term fast approaching, residents are reminded that several school bus service adjustments will take effect next week. It is recommended to check the updated routes now to avoid confusion during the first week of Term 1.