Princes Highway Freight Corridor-Demand Analysis

Background

The Princes Highway on NSW’s south coast, stretching from the Nowra and the Victorian border corridor, plays an important role in freight transport, linking communities and supporting the regional economy. Recognising the significant role of freight on this highway, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is commencing a major program to improve the corridor. The goal of this program is to create a safer, more resilient, reliable, efficient, and better-connected network as part of the TfNSW Roadmap to 2040 plan. The Princes Highway Upgrade Program (PHup) will set investment priorities for the corridor over the next twenty years, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, policy, and services. To effectively plan for the future of the corridor, there is a need to understand road freight movements today, how they are likely to change in the future and how industry needs can be supported. 

Our Role 

NineSquared and Neil Matthews Consulting (NMC) were engaged to conduct freight demand analysis of the Princes Highway corridor. This involved understanding the current use of the corridor, identifying key challenges faced by operators, and anticipating future changes in its use. The analysis covered the Shoalhaven and South Coast regions, with a focus on road freight movements, the diversity of freight types, and vehicle usage patterns. The study also included stakeholder consultation to gain insights into the practical challenges and needs along the corridor. This report informs TfNSW’s PHup, which is focused on setting investment priorities for the next twenty years. 

The report highlights the Princes Highway’s significant role in regional freight transport and its challenges. Key findings included varied freight demand throughout the year and the presence of infrastructure challenges, such as limited access for large trucks and aging bridges. Future projections indicate a substantial increase in freight demand and traffic by 2056. The report emphased the importance of addressing these challenges, particularly improving road safety and rest area facilities, to support the highway’s evolving freight needs. 

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