THREE options for the final stage of a $275 million Nelson Bay Road upgrade have been unveiled for public feedback, but the opposition says an "eleventh hour route option" will further delay the long-awaited duplication.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said plans for the final stage of the duplication would shape the link from Williamtown to Bobs Farm, with one added after public feedback.
Two options begin at Medowie Road roundabout, either following the existing road (the online option) or building five kilometres of offline road to about 800 metres from the Richardson Road roundabout (the offline option).
Similarly, from the Lemon Tree Passage Road roundabout they would respectively either duplicate the existing road or build a new four-kilometre path. Both options would meet the existing dual carriageway through the sand hills.
The newly-added third option would be an entirely new 11-kilometre road from the Cabbage Tree Road roundabout at Lavis Lane through to the sand hills, as well as an intersection at Oakvale Drive in Salt Ash.
"The Williamtown to Bobs Farm duplication is the last major piece of this upgrade and will make a huge difference, delivering many benefits including improved traffic flow, better travel times and enhanced safety," Mr Toole said.
"That's why when the community suggested a different route for the upgrade to the two we originally proposed, we listened, we went back to the drawing board and came up with a third route option.
"We are going back out to the community today for their feedback on all three options.
"We want to deliver it as soon as possible, but we also have to take the time to make sure we get it right."
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said the early work done at Medowie and Lemon Tree Passage roads made it essential that residents could assess the options for the new section in context.
Labor MP Kate Washington said the initial information made the new route "an interesting opportunity for Port Stephens which warrants serious consideration".
"It's a real shame that we're only seeing this option now," she said.
"After years and years of government promises and missed deadlines, this eleventh hour route option will cause yet more delay.
"Our community will want to understand all of the impacts, particularly on affected residents, business owners and the environment."
Ms Washington said she would seek a public forum for residents to ask questions.
Consultation will run until November 27, with a report on feedback expected in February next year.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in early 2019 that the project would likely be completed within roughly two years.
Mr Toole said the duplication project would create about 600 jobs.
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