Plans to upgrade a section of the Pacific Highway between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge have moved forward with the release of a concept design and environmental assessment for community comment.
The proposal involves upgrading six kilometres of the existing highway from two to three lanes in each direction and building a new bridge across Ironbark Creek.
"This route is part of the National Land Transport Network and provides an important connection to the Port of Newcastle, ensuring goods and commodities can reach international markets and generate the export dollars Australia relies on," Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said
Transport for NSW asked the community for input into the initial design earlier this year. The concept design takes the feedback into account where possible.
"A key issue raised by the community was related to improving traffic flow at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Maitland Road, so the new design includes an additional left-turn lane northbound and off-road shared path at that intersection," NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said
"Transport for NSW also gave consideration to feedback about access along Old Maitland Road and Shamrock, Fenwick and Merchant streets, but the initial design was considered the safest option for residents and motorists.
The community is now being asked to provide Transport for NSW with comment on the concept design and the Review of Environmental Factors (REF).
Comment has also been sought from the City of Newcastle on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as the upgrade would potentially impact three small areas of land classified as coastal wetlands under the state's planning rules.
Senator for NSW Hollie Hughes said about 50,000 motorists a day travelled along Hexham straight.
"Not only will this reduce congestion during peak periods, providing improved traffic flow for commuters and freight alike, it's estimated it will support up to 750 jobs during construction," she said.
The Hexham Straight widening project is being delivered as part of the $2 billion extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace.
The federal government is contributing $1.6 billion to the 15-kilometre M1 extension and the NSW sovernment is contributing the remaining $400 million.
Community feedback on the Hexham Straight concept design, environmental assessment and EIS is invited until 5pm on Tuesday, December 14.
For more information visit: http://nswroads.work/hexhamportal.
