It's all systems go for the Ocean Drive Duplication project in Port Macquarie, with the major works contract for the $111 million, 3.4km project awarded to Ditchfield Contracting.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, said the project, which is the single-largest road upgrade ever delivered by Council, will be of great benefit to motorists.
"The project includes the upgrade of five existing intersections," Mrs Williams said.
"Three signalised traffic light intersections will replace existing roundabouts and create better access to Ocean Drive during peak periods at the Pacific/Jonas Absalom Drive, Crestwood/Dahlsford Drive and Matthew Flinders/Emerald Drive intersections.
"Upgrades to increase turning and merging lanes at Marantha Place and Greenmeadows Drive (southern entrance) intersections will provide safer entry and exit points for motorists.
"I can't wait to see construction on the project start, and I look forward to following the progress of the various stages of the project's development."
Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) community infrastructure director, Robert Fish, said the project would transform travel for the Port Macquarie community by improving traffic flow and safety.
"It will also provide a significant boost to the region's local economy through the creation of hundreds of construction jobs," Mr Fish said.
"Ditchfield Contracting was awarded the contract to deliver the multimillion-dollar project following a competitive tender process, which closed in May.
"They will now work in partnership with council and Transport for NSW to deliver the project, which is set to start in the second half of 2022."
A total of $95.5 million has already been committed to this phase of 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, Council 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.
PMHC 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 maintain the development of a high standard transport link between Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, Laurieton and Kew.
"I look forward to seeing construction commence and following the various stages of its progress."
Also featured within the project is an off road shared user path connecting the Lighthouse Plaza to Greenmeadows Drive, provision for on road cyclists, koala exclusion fencing and retaining structures to minimise impact on adjacent sensitive environmental areas.
As part of Council's longer term water supply planning, a new service trunk main will also be constructed in coordination with the road upgrade.
TfNSW and PMHC will continue to keep the community informed about the status of construction.
You can also read find out more about construction, noise and other project elements via our fact sheets at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Ocean-Drive-Duplication
