A $95.5 million project to upgrade Ocean Drive at Port Macquarie is now inviting tenders from pre-qualified contractors to build the duplication of the key arterial route.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the project, which is being funded by the New South Wales Government and Port Macquarie Hastings Council, was key to building a better-connected road network for the region.
“The New South Wales Government is contributing $60 million towards the project that will upgrade this key arterial route and transform travel for the local community by improving traffic flow and safety for motorists,” Mr Farraway said.
“Since the signing of a partnership agreement between Transport for New South Wales and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in June 2021, preliminary work has been finalised, including detailed project planning, design work, environmental assessments and community consultation.
“The project now enters the next phase by calling for tenders to build the duplication of Ocean Drive spanning up to 3.4km, which will support jobs and boost the local economy.”
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, said the plan was to make it easier to travel along Ocean Drive by duplicating sections and upgrading intersections between Greenmeadows Drive and Matthew Flinders Drive.
“We are excited to be inviting tenders and planning the next stages of delivery once the successful construction contractor is appointed,” Ms Williams said.
“During the next stage we will deliver improved connectivity by providing a shared user path and provisions for on-road cyclists as well as koala exclusion fencing and a dedicated fauna underpass.”
The successful contractor is expected to be appointed mid-2022, with construction anticipated to start in the second half of 2022.
