The $76 million Mandalong Road upgrade project has reached a major milestone, with Transport for NSW releasing its review of environment factors (REF).
The REF details the proposed construction methods, addressing how the work will be managed, including the proposed methods used to minimise environmental impacts.
The project will now move into detailed design phase. This significant step forward follows community consultation last year which showed 80% support for the preferred design, said Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison.
“The Morisset community has been clear in their feedback, showing strong support for the proposal which includes much-needed upgrades, including traffic signals, active transport connections and new bus stops,” said Ms Aitchison.
The design includes replacing an existing roundabout at the intersection of Wyee Road and Freemans Drive with traffic lights, a shared path between Ourimbah Street and Gimberts Road, and two new bus stops on Dora Street.
The Australian Government is investing $56 million and the NSW Government is investing $20 to upgrade the critical link from the M1 Pacific Motorway to Morisset and the Southern part of Lake Macquarie LGA.
Once completed this project will deliver much-needed upgrades to Mandalong Road, which has seen increased traffic following significant retail, industrial and commercial growth, said Federal Member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi.
“Morisset is growing rapidly, but for too long, the infrastructure investment didn’t match the needs of the local area. Previous Governments, State and Federal ignored this region, and it’s had major implications on the local community,” said Mr Repacholi.
“I’ve been a big advocate for this upgrade, and it’s great to see this crucial project is one step closer.”
Information on the Mandalong Road Upgrade Project can be found at:Â https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/mandalong-road-upgrade-morisset.
