The New South Wales Government has unveiled plans for improvement works at Port Macquarie interchange, which will result in improved safety and reduced queuing at the Oxley Highway interchange on the Pacific Highway.
Upgrade works will be carried out in coming months to 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 and, when completed, this work will reduce the queue length from the roundabout towards and sometimes onto the Pacific Highway.
A larger upgrade to this intersection is being planned, with timing for construction subject to project approval, including environmental assessment and community consultation.
This project is part of a $44.5 billion investment in the New South Wales Budget over the next four years for regional transport and roads including:
- $3.5 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
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “We have listened to the people of Port Macquarie about their safety concerns and I’m happy we’ve been able to develop an improvement plan which will provide relief to motorists.
“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’.”
Labor’s spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy, said, “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.
“The larger upgrade work would help ease congestion, increase capacity, and improve safety to keep traffic flowing smoothly at the interchange.”
More information on the Oxley interchange project available at transport.nsw.gov.au/oxleyinterchange
Image credit: Jaaske M/shutterstock.com
