NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman have clashed over Tuesday’s announcement on an additional $20 million in funding to ensure the Tripoli Way Extension is delivered in full.

The Tripoli Way extension will alleviate congestion on the Illawarra Highway in Albion Park by establishing an uninterrupted travel route connecting Terry Street in the east to the Illawarra Highway at Broughton Avenue in the west, bypassing the town centre.

Minns and Labor's candidate for the Kiama electorate, Katelin McInerney, were joined by Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer at the announcement on Tuesday morning at Albion Park Showground.

They said the extra funding would be a major boost to safety and efficiency for the local communities who use the area.

Minns was more than 10 minutes late for the announcement due to the traffic problems that have made the area a nightmare for local commuters.

“I understand that there's a degree of scepticism when it comes to promises that are made during by-elections.

“But the truth of the matter is there's still a great opportunity for governments that listen to understand what's going on on the ground and try and fix them when we're told what the problem is.”

The $20 million pledged on Tuesday means the full scope of the $74 million project, including the much-needed future upgrade of the Terry Street and Tripoli Way intersection, will be realised with the balance funded by Shellharbour City Council and developer contributions.

Shellharbour City Council, which is delivering this project, had previously removed the works at the Terry Street intersection from the scope of the project due to a funding shortfall.

With early works wrapping up this month, completion is expected in late 2027.

Minns claimed that in 12 years in Government, the Coalition had neglected to invest in or begin construction on this vital project, despite over 6000 new people moving into Albion Park.

The Premier said in 2017, the Liberals decoupled the Tripoli Way bypass from the Albion Park Bypass project, significantly delaying the road and creating a traffic nightmare for Albion Park residents.

“For too long, this community has been waiting for the services and infrastructure it needs - from schools and hospitals to local roads. That’s what our government is focused on delivering," he said.

“Voters have a choice about who will be strongest possible advocate for their community and Katelin is someone who can be at the table when decisions are made.”

McInerney said the Tripoli Way extension would reduce congestion through the Albion Park town centre and make local roads safer and more reliable.

“This is the investment our community has been waiting for," she said.

“This extension was first dreamed up in the 1960s, and with this additional investment it will become a reality.

McInerney said the main concern people had in this area was the traffic chaos.

“It was adding enormous stress to people's lives, making it difficult to get kids to school, kids to early learning, grandparents, making it very difficult for them to come in and help,” she said.

“After 12 years of waiting we finally have shovels in the ground, and the funding we need to get the job done.

“Labor is listening to locals, fixing the mess left behind by the previous government, and delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs.”

Speakman countered by stating the Liberals would match Labor’s commitment to complete the Tripoli Way extension.

“Once again, the Premier is making big promises before an election, and once again they’re hollow. The people of Kiama deserve better,” he said.

“Labor acts as if they started government funding of the project – in fact the former Liberal Government had already put $16.6 million in the bank for it. We wouldn’t have this project without the vision and commitment of the NSW Liberals.

“Locals shouldn’t reward Labor for their for last-minute election spin.”

The Liberals’ Kiama candidate, Serena Copley, said Labor’s delays had left locals frustrated.

“This is the same old story from Labor, they talk big before the election and fail deliver, she said.

“For two years Labor ignored this project and ignored our region. Now, on the eve of a by-election, they expect locals to believe their empty promises. People can see straight through it.”

Homer said he was “ecstatic about this announcement”.

“It's been a conversation since 1961 and frankly, it's getting towards gridlock here,” he said.

“It's going to be really helpful. And for this part of the city and into the future, it's going to help Shellharbour. We are a growth city.”