The proposed upgrade to Mandalong Road at Morisset, southwest of Newcastle, has taken another step forward with the community consultation report for the preferred design display now published.
The Australian Government is investing $56 million and the NSW Government is investing $20 million in upgrades to Mandalong Road.
The community and key stakeholders were invited to have their say on the preferred design for the proposed upgrade from 26 June to 4 August last year.
This design includes replacing the existing roundabout at the intersection of Wyee Road and Freemans Drive with traffic lights, a shared path between Ourimbah Street and Gimberts Road, as well as two new bus stops on Dora Street.
The Gimberts Road/Gateway Boulevard roundabout will now be separately upgraded by a private developer.
A total of 202 submissions were received during the display period, including 190 survey responses and 12 emails.
The consultation report includes feedback on the design, operational and network impacts, environmental impacts, project concerns and suggestions.
Feedback received about the preferred design has been considered as work on the concept design and environmental assessment continues.
Timing for construction is yet to be confirmed and is dependent on planning approvals and the finalisation of project costings and funding arrangements.
Consultation will continue with key stakeholders and the community will be kept informed as the project progresses.
For further information on the community consultation report and the project, visit the website of Transport NSW.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Mandalong Road provides a critical link from the M1 Pacific Motorway to Morisset and the southern part of the Lake Macquarie local government area.
"This upgrade will improve traffic flow and safety for about 17,000 road users daily, while helping meet the future needs of an increased population and employment in the Morisset area.
"The upgrade will also support retail, industry, commercial and housing growth along the corridor, with potentially upwards of 5,000 new dwellings in the surrounding area."
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"We know this is an important project for the community with more than 200 submissions received during the consultation period.
"As part of the survey, respondents were asked to provide feedback on the level of project importance and support of the preferred design.
"I was pleased to note that 90 per cent of survey respondents believe the project to be very important or important, and more than 80 per cent supported the preferred design.
"I'm proud to be part of a government getting the work done to improve the daily lives of people living in NSW."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:
"These traffic upgrades will be really significant for local and visiting motorists and pedestrians in terms of safety and also minimising delays on their journeys in this part of the lower Hunter.
"We will continue to engage with the NSW Government, key stakeholders and the community to deliver the best option for traffic and pedestrian movement in Morriset."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper:
"Upgrading Mandalong Road is the most important transport priority in southern Lake Macquarie.
"Like other frustrated locals, I have been calling for a solution to the traffic and safety issues at Mandalong Road for years.
"With its strategic position, the Morisset area is poised to experience a surge in people, jobs, homes and industrial and commercial development. Upgrading Mandalong Road, along with other infrastructure and services, is essential to support this growth and help Morisset realise its full potential."
Quotes attributable to Duty MLC for Lake Macquarie, Emily Suvaal:
"This is a key step in the upgrade process and I welcome the work the NSW Government, together with the Commonwealth, is doing to improve traffic conditions for motorists in Lake Macquarie.
"The much-needed Mandalong Road upgrades will significantly improve local traffic conditions and this next stage of consultation is vital to getting that work done."
