Truckies are set to benefit from traffic relief as the New South Wales government unveils new plans for upgrade works on the Pacific Highway at Port Macquarie.
With an improvement in safety and reduced queuing at the Oxley Highway interchange, the government aims to build better roads and transport links on the Mid North Coast.
The work will increase the capacity of the northbound off-ramp from the Pacific Highway from one to two lanes, extending from the existing 60km/h sign to the roundabout.
Improvements will also be made to the existing alignment. When completed, this work will reduce the queue length from the roundabout towards and sometimes onto the Pacific Highway.
State transport minister Jenny Aitchison says the government has listened to the people of Port Macquarie’s safety concerns and want to make change.
“I’m happy we’ve been able to develop an improvement plan which will provide relief to motorists,” she says.
“Increasing the capacity of the northbound off-ramp from the Pacific Highway will bring immediate relief for motorists, while the more substantial $20 million upgrade continues to be developed for what most people call ‘the donut’.”
A larger upgrade to this intersection is being planned, with timing for construction subject to project approval, including environmental assessment and community consultation.
Labor spokesperson Cameron Murphy says the larger project being developed will consider forecast traffic movements based on population growth, local development and increased tourist activity.
“It will also complement a proposed highway service centre to maximise opportunities to improve the network and minimise disruption to motorists,” he says.
“The larger upgrade work would help ease congestion, increase capacity, and improve safety to keep traffic flowing smoothly at the interchange.”
This project is part of a $44.5 billion investment in the NSW Budget over the next four years for regional transport and roads including:
- $3.3 billion to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged in natural disasters
- $224.5 million for grants to local councils for road maintenance
- $79.1 million to complete Fixing Country Bridges projects
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