Wingecarribee Shire Council will begin preliminary investigations including designs for the Moss Vale Bypass project.
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This is following the release of $2.4 million from the state government to design and scope the project over the next two years.
A $20 million election commitment from the state government was announced by Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Andrew Constance, with Wendy Tuckerman in 2019.
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"Easing delays along Argyle Street and general congestion in the center of Moss Vale is a high priority of mine - and the design and scope is the first step to getting the job done," Mrs Tuckerman said.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Duncan Gair said the announcement was the first step in the long-awaited transport infrastructure project.
"Moss Vale has witnessed a significant increase in traffic as motorists travel north and south through the town centre," Mayor Gair said.
"This situation is set to only intensify in coming years as major housing developments come online and the population increases."
"These funds from the State Government will help make this project shovel-ready."
As per the funding agreement from Transport for NSW, council will undertake preliminary planning and designs, a road safety audit, public consultation and engagement on the viability of a bypass project for Moss Vale.
Council will also establish a project working group with representatives from relevant stakeholder and government agencies.
"A bypass for Moss Vale has the potential to deliver enormous transport benefits to both the township and greater Southern Highlands and also provide a massive stimulus to the local economy," Mayor Gair said.
"This key infrastructure link has long been touted and this announcement brings us closer to this project becoming a reality," he added.
"I thank the Member for Goulburn for advocating on our behalf and securing an audience with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Paul Toole.
"I would also commend the staff of council who prepared this successful application and secured these all-important funds."
Preliminary works to progress the Moss Vale bypass project are expected to be completed by June 30, 2022.
Following the two-year funding agreement council will prepare a detailed project scope proposal including a funding profile for future years to progress to stage one of construction of the Moss Vale bypass project.
