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Pacific Highway, New England Highway, John Renshaw Drive, Southern Freeway, Mount Ousley Road & Princes Highway (National Route 1) (Decommissioned) - Bodalla to Cobargo

Statistics:

• Length: 1149 km (Bodalla to Cobargo: 53 km)
  • Southern section: 481 km
• Northern Terminus:
  • Southern section: Princes Highway (Metroad 1) at Waterfall
• Southern Terminus:
  • Southern section: Princes Highway (A1) at New South Wales / Victoria border
• Miscellaneous: Continues as Princes Highway (A1) in Victoria
• Suburbs, Towns & Localities Along The Route:
  • Southern section: Dalmeny, North Narooma, Narooma, Corunna, Central Tilba, Tilba Tilba and Cobargo

Route Numbering:

• Former:
• Road Authority Internal Classification: SH1 (Yallah to NSW-Vic Border) 1
• Decommissioned: 2013

General Information:

National Route 1 forms part of the main coastal route between Victoria and Queensland. The route features a mix of rural highway, arterial and freeway design standards. The route forms part of what is collectively known as Highway 1. It is Australia's coastal highway joining all mainland's state capitals and coastal towns circumnavigating the entire Australian continent. It is also the longest numbered highway in the world, covering more than 14 500 km.

In New South Wales, National Route 1 was truncated by National Highway 1 between Beresfield and Wahroonga, by Metroad 1 between Wahroonga and Waterfall and by M1 at Tweed Heads West.

Southern Section:

The southern section of National Route 1 is formed by 2 separate sections of the Southern Freeway, linked by dual carriageway Mt Ousley Road. At the end of southern segment of the Southern Freeway, National Route continues as Princes Highway. The route from Kiama to Sydney is a mix of divided road and freeway, the majority of the route from Gerringong to the Victorian border is undivided rural highway standard and undivided urban arterial within some towns, with some dual carriageway sections sporadically placed between Bomaderry and tourist areas immediately south of Nowra.

• Princes Highway:

The Princes Highway was formed from a string of roads linking Sydney to the Illawarra, which later was renumbered from National Route 1 to Metroad 1 in the Sydney area during the 1990s.

The Princes Highway section of NR1 formed a coastal route from Yallah, in Wollongong's southern suburbs to Melbourne and into South Australia. The route is a mix of urban arterial road, dual carriageway and also rural highway.

History:

Princes Highway:

• 7 June 1926: the Princes Highway comes under a federal and state government £ for £ funding scheme, thus recognizing the importance of the highway as major route.
• 1930s: Construction of bridge over Wagonga Inlet, Narooma. 2
• 1932: One of the last steel bridges built by on-site assembly of pre-riveted sections was the steel bascule bridge at Narooma over Wagonga Inlet on Princes Highway built. 3 Minor widening north of Narooma. 4
• 1933: Sections of gravel pavement were surfaced with tar through Cobargo. ¾ mile of gravel with tar paving of the approaches to the bridge over the Wagonga River at Narooma was completed and a length of 9 miles reshaped and brought to standard; four sharp turns were eliminated by improvement over a length of 1 mile, and ¾ mile of narrow formation was widened. 5
• 1934: Realignment and widening work performed between Narooma and Central Tilba in 3 locations. 6
• 1935: Construction of the bridge over Victoria Creek, south of Narooma. 7 Work started between Corunna and Central Tilba on a length of 1 mile of narrow winding road, which was widened and reconstructed on a new alignment. 13 Construction of prestressed concrete bridge at Dignams Creek.
• 1938: Construction of bridges on Princes Highway over Couria Creek at Tilba Tilba and Sams Creek near Cobargo. 8
• 1939: by the middle of the year, 300 miles (or 50% of the then highway) had been paved with bitumous surface.
• 1950s: Reconstruction and re-routing of sections of the Princes Highway from Narooma to Bega was undertaken. 3
• 1950: Work began on reconstruction of Princes Hwy between Cobargo and Brogo River at Brogo, a length of 14 miles. 9
• 1954: Construction began on a prestressed concrete bridge over Corunna Lake near Narooma. 10
• 1955: Completion of a reinforced concrete bridge over Lawler's Creek 6 miles north of Narooma. Length 114 feet. 10 Opening of steel girder and concrete bridge over Jerramadra Creek near Batemans Bay.
• 1956: Bitumen surfacing on Princes Hwy between Sydney and Eden totalling 305 miles out of 321 miles. Construction of a deviation 6.75 miles in length immediately south of Narooma was commenced. 11
• 1957: The first post-tensioned concrete bridges built by the DMR were completed on the Princes Highway over Corunna Lake and Nangudga Lake near Narooma. 3 Construction of a deviation east of the then existing Princes Highway between 1.25 miles and 8 miles south of Narooma. Completion of bridge comprising prestressed concrete superstructure on reinforced concrete piles over Corunna Lake. Length 180 feet. 12 The first post-tensioned concrete bridges built by the DMR were completed on the Princes Highway over Corunna Lake and Nangudga Lake near Narooma. 3
• 1958: Completion of the deviation of Princes Hwy, south of Narooma. 13
• 1963: A footway 434 feet in length was added to the existing bridge over Wagonga Inlet at Narooma. 14
• 1964: Curve advisory speed signs installed on Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian Border. 15
• 1967: Work commenced on the widening of the pavement and shoulders and improvement to alignment and riding qualities immediately north and south of Narooma, including the raising of the pavement to improve drainage along the Narooma Flat. 16
• 1970: Reconstruction and widening both immediately north and south of Narooma. This work included improvement to the alignment and grading between the Water Tower and Cemetery Road, Narooma. 17
• March 2011: Construction work commenced on the $3.7 million replacement of Nangudga Lake Bridge, on the Princes Highway south of Narooma. 18
• July 2011: Work commences on Princes Highway upgrade at Victoria Creek, south of Narooma. Work includes the removal of a number of tight bends and provide an overtaking lane in both directions, making it a much safer road for all motorists. The 3.2 kilometre upgrade also includes a new bridge over Victoria Creek, a new U-turn facility and demolition of the old bridge. 19
• 16 December 2011: Completion of the single carriageway replacement of Nangudga Lake Bridge, on the Princes Highway south of Narooma. 18

Click here for historic photos of Princes Highway between Bodalla and Cobargo.

Cobargo to Bodalla			Bodalla to Cobargo
Preview:	Description:		Preview:	Description:
	Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Cobargo, approaching Cobago-Bermagui Rd (TD8), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Dalmeny approaching Dalmeny Dr (TD5), November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Entering Cobargo: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it enters the town of Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Dalmeny Drive: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Dalmeny Dr (TD5) at Dalmeny, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Kianga approaching Kianga Forest Rd (TD4), November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Wandella Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Wandella Rd, Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Kianga Forest Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Kianga Forest Rd (TD4) at Kianga, with Kianga Ck in the distance, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Dalmeny approaching Dalmeny Dr (TD5), October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Cobargo-Bermagui Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Cobargo-Bermagui Rd (TD8) at Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Dalmeny Drive: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Dalmeny Dr (TD5) at Narooma, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Cobargo Town Centre: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Opening Bridge Warning Sign: Fold up opening bridge warning sign approaching Wagonga Inlet at Narooma, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Cobargo, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Wagonga Inlet: Princes Hwy (NR1) crossing Wagonga Inlet via Narooma Bridge (completed in 1931) at Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Dignams Creek Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Dignams Ck Rd at Dignams Creek, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Wagonga Inlet: Princes Hwy (NR1) crossing Wagonga Inlet via Narooma Bridge at Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Dignams Creek approaching Corkhill Dr (TD6), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Narooma: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through the town of Narooma, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Tilba Tilba approaching Corkhill Dr (TD6), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Narooma: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through the town of Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching Bermagui Rd at Tilba Tilba, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Narooma: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through the town of Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Bermagui Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Bermagui Rd at Tilba Tilba, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign at the junction with Marine Dr at Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Tilba Tilba, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Old Princes Highway: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Old Princes Hwy (TD4) at Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Tilba Tilba approaching Corkhill Dr (TD6), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Narooma, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Reassurance Directional Sign: Tourism-based distance sign at Tibla Tilba, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Advance Directional Sign: AD sign approaching Corunna Lake Rd at Narooma, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Tilba Tilba approaching Corkhill Dr (TD6), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Corunna Lake Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Corunna Lake Rd at Narooma, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Corkhill Drive: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Corkhill Dr (TD6) at Tilba Tilba, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Corunna Lake: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it crosses Corunna Lake at Narooma, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Tilba Tilba, approaching Corkhill Dr (TD6) and Sherringham Ln, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Mystery Bay Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Mystery Bay Rd at Corunna, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Corkhill Drive & Sherringham Lane: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1), Corkhill Dr (TD6) and Sherringham Ln at Tilba Tilba, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Corunna approaching Old Princes Hwy (TD4), October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Old Princes Highway: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Old Princes Hwy (TD6) at Corunna, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Corunna approaching Old Princes Hwy (TD4), October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Mystery Bay Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Mystery Bay Rd at Corunna, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Old Princes Highway: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Old Princes Hwy (TD6) at Corunna, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Corunna Lake: Princes Hwy (NR1) at Corunna, as it crosses Corunna Lake, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			3km Winding Road: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it winds its way through the Corunna area, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Narooma, approaching the entrance to Eurobodalla National Park, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Narrow Bridge: Narrow bridge sign approaching Victoria Creek at Central Tilba, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Nangudga Lake: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it crosses Nangudga Lake at Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Victoria Creek: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it crosses Victoria Ck at Central Tilba, November 2009. Image © Paul Rands
	Entering Narooma: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it enters the town of Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Central Tilba approaching Corkhill Dr and Sherringham Ln, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Narooma approaching Old Princes Hwy (TD4), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Central Tilba approaching Corkhill Dr and Sherringham Ln, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Old Princes Highway: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Old Princes Hwy at Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Corkhill Drive & Sherringham Lane: ID sign at the intersection with Corkhill Dr and Sherringham Ln at Central Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Narooma: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Corkhill Drive: ID sign at the intersection with Corkhill Dr at Central Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Narooma: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Supplemental Advance Directional Sign: Supplemental AD sign at Tilba Tilba approaching Bermagui Rd (TD8 / TD9), October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign at the corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Bluewater Dr at Narooma. Image © Paul Rands			Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign at the junction with Bermagui Rd (TD8 / TD9) at Tilba Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Opening Bridge Signage: Fold up opening bridge sign at Narooma approaching Wagonga Inlet, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Tilba Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Opening Bridge Signage: Opening bridge sign at Narooma approaching Wagonga Inlet, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Tilba Tilba: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it winds its way towards Dignams Ck at Tilba Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Wagonga Inlet: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it crosses Wagonga Inlet at Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Tilba Tilba: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it winds its way towards Dignams Ck at Tilba Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Intersection Directional Sign: ID sign at the corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Riverview Rd at North Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Dignams Creek: Princes Hwy (NR1) crossing Dignams Ck at Tilba Tilba, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at North Narooma, approaching Dalmeny Dr (TD5), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Dignams Creek Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Dignams Ck Rd at Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Dalmeny Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Dalmeny Rd (TD5) at North Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Entering Cobargo: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it enters the town of Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at North Narooma, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Entering Cobargo: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it passes through the town of Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Advance Directional Sign: AD sign at Dalmeny, approaching Mort Av (TD5), September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Cobargo-Bermagui Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Cobargo-Bermagui Rd (TD8) at Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Mort Avenue: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Mort Av (TD5), Dalmeny, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Narira River: Princes Hwy (NR1) as it crosses Narira River at Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Dalmeny, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Wandella Road: Corner of Princes Hwy (NR1) and Wandella Rd at Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
	Reassurance Directional Sign: Rest area distance sign at Dalmeny, September 2009. Image © Paul Rands			Reassurance Directional Sign: Distance sign at Cobargo, October 2010. Image © Paul Rands
Click here for the continuation of National Route 1 between Cobargo and Bega Click here for the continuation of National Route 1 between Batemans Bay and Bodalla

1 Roads and Traffic Authority, Schedule of Classified Roads and State & Regional Roads, 31 January 2011
2 Main Roads Board, Annual Report, 1929-30
3 RTA Thematic History, 2nd Edition, 2006
4 Main Roads Board Annual Report, 1932
5 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1932-33
6 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1933-34
7 Roads and Maritime Services, Projects, Princes Highway Upgrade, Princes Highway Upgrade At Victoria Creek
8 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1937-38
9 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1949-50
10 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1954-55
11 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1955-56
12 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1956-57
13 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1957-58
14 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1962-63
15 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1963-64
16 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1966-67
17 Department of Main Roads, Annual Report, 1969-70
18 Roads and Maritime Services, Projects, Princes Highway Upgrade, Nangudga Lake Bridge Replacement
19 Roads and Maritime Services, Media Release, Major Work Starts on Princes Highway at Victoria Creek

Last updated: 17-Dec-2019 0:55

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