Major Roadworks Begin in Albion Park as Commuters Face Post-Holiday Peak

Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters across the Illawarra should prepare for a significant increase in traffic volume today, Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Following the Australia Day public holiday, the return to regular work schedules and the commencement of the new school year are expected to put additional pressure on major arteries, particularly the M1 Princes Motorway and the Illawarra Highway.

New Roadworks: Illawarra Highway at Albion Park

Transport for NSW has confirmed that a major safety upgrade project begins today on the Illawarra Highway at Albion Park. The project involves the installation of a new pedestrian refuge near the local bowling club to improve safety in this high-activity area. Commuters should be aware of the following impacts:

• Work Hours: Daytime activity is scheduled between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm, with occasional night works from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.
• Speed Restrictions: A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be enforced through the work zone.
• Lane Closures: Motorists should expect single lane closures and are advised to allow at least 10 minutes of additional travel time.
• Public Transport: The bus stop on Tongarra Road before Amaral Avenue has been temporarily relocated 50 meters west to accommodate the construction zone.

Mount Ousley Interchange Ongoing Work

The Mount Ousley Interchange project continues to be a primary focus for regional traffic management. As construction enters a high-activity phase for 2026, motorists traveling between Wollongong and Sydney will encounter the following:

• Speed Limits: The temporary 60 km/h speed limit on the M1 Princes Motorway between Mount Ousley Road and Memorial Drive remains in effect during active work hours.
• Night Works: Nightly operations are scheduled from Monday to Thursday, including tonight. While the motorway remains open, temporary lane reconfigurations may cause minor delays for late-evening travelers.

Local Roadwork Alerts

Wollongong City Council has several localized road maintenance projects active this week. Residents and local commuters should exercise caution in the following areas:

• Wollongong CBD: Resurfacing work continues on Keira Street.
• Fairy Meadow: Maintenance is scheduled for Helen Brae Avenue and Garratt Avenue.
• Figtree: Work is ongoing at Jacaranda Avenue and the Figtree Oval carpark.
• Corrimal: Road improvements are underway on Eager Street.

Public Transport Update

The South Coast Line has returned to a standard weekday timetable following the holiday weekend. With the school term beginning for many students today, morning and afternoon peak services are expected to be near capacity. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest real-time apps for any short-notice cancellations or platform changes.