Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC), in partnership with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Ditchfield Contracting, is pleased to announce the start of construction on the $111 million Ocean Drive Duplication Project.
Generating the largest capital investment of any road project ever delivered in the region, the 3.4km project will see significantly improved traffic flows at three pivotal intersections being Pacific Drive, Crestwood Drive and Matthew Flinders Drive during peak periods.
To be delivered over the next two-to-three years, the project will also include construction of a $10 million critical trunk water main as part of our future water security planning, dedicated on-road cycle lanes, upgraded bus stops, signalised pedestrian crossings and a shared, off-road pathway to support our community's desire for better connectivity and safe, non-car based transport options.
A dedicated fauna underpass, fauna furniture fitted to two existing arches and fauna fencing along the length of the duplication will also be constructed, acting to reduce instances of wildlife strikes during and following construction.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Ocean Drive Duplication was a major priority project that was key to building a sophisticated road network for the region.
"The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to investing and building road projects that enhance amenity, deliver better economic outcomes and make daily life easier for our regions," Mr Farraway said.
"This project is a great example of that vision, and it will help secure a brighter future for people using this busy stretch of road each and every day.
"Improving this this stretch of road ensures a safer and smoother trip for locals and visitors alike."
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, said today's event was a significant milestone for the region.
"This project has undergone a detailed project planning phase, thorough community consultation and extensive design work with sensitive ecological assessments all taken into consideration," Mrs Williams said.
"The final design will deliver three signalised traffic light intersections, replacing existing roundabouts at the Pacific/Jonas Absalom Drive, Crestwood/Dahlsford Drive and Matthew Flinders/Emerald Drive intersections, creating better access to Ocean Drive during peak periods.
"Upgrades will also be provided for the turning and merging lanes at Marantha Place and Greenmeadows Drive (southern entrance) intersections to provide safer entry and exit points for motorists.
"With completion earmarked for late 2025, the project will provide between two and three years of ongoing employment for locals, providing a further boost to our already strong construction industry."
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson said the Ocean Drive Duplication is a critical project that will contribute greatly to the future planning of a sophisticated regional road network.
"This project was one of the key deliverables announced in our recent budget, which highlighted a need to provide high-quality infrastructure upgrades within the Port Macquarie Hastings," Cr Pinson said.
"It will be pivotal in catering for the expected population and visitor growth of the area, and provide for the development of a high standard transport link between Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, Laurieton and Kew.
Mayor Pinson said the community would be kept well and truly informed of the project during its lifecycle.
"PMHC and our appointed contractor are committed to keeping our community informed about the project, particularly households and businesses directly impacted by construction works, will be maintained on an ongoing basis. We have a dedicated webpage with plenty of important project information, including noise impacts, vegetation clearing, wildlife safety mitigation measures and works' programming.
"I invite and encourage people to visit it regularly, and subscribe for continuing updates as they become available."
A total of $95.5 million has already been committed to the project, with funding provided by the NSW Government ($60 million) and PMHC ($35.5 million) to ensure a better-connected road network for the region, however recent increases in the cost of construction has resulted in a revised project delivery cost of $111 million.
To ensure the ultimate project benefits are realised, PMHC is committed to seeing through the delivery of the full extent of works and will work with all levels of government to secure the additional funding needed to complete the Ocean Drive duplication.
