Driver frustration over the traffic bottleneck near the new Maitland Hospital is expected to ease by the middle of the year.
The scope of work for the new hospital development includes an upgrade to the existing roundabout at the intersection of Metford Road and Chelmsford Drive, expected to be completed by mid-2021.
The narrow road, coupled with hospital construction traffic, has meant frustrating delays for peak hour drivers.
"The upgrade has been developed in collaboration with Maitland City Council and Transport for NSW," a NSW Health Infrastructure spokesperson said. "It will provide two lanes to improve traffic flow through the roundabout and access to the new hospital.
"There will be some disruptions to traffic during these works and we appreciate everyone's patience."
Meanwhile work on the $470 million project continues to take shape with the external scaffolding being gradually removed.
The roof ballast, a pattern of colourful rocks which form a feature of the roof from the upper floors, is now prominent.
The spokesperson said work is well under way on level 2 which houses the pathology services, lecture theatres, meeting rooms, executive accommodation and plant to support the operating theatres.
"The is significant progress on level 2, and of course this includes the internal fit out," the spokesperson said. "The new lecture theatres will provide an education space to train staff to continue delivering an optimal health service, and it will feature state-of-the-art IT equipment.
"Level 2 also marks the start of the 'H' shape which is a defining design feature that will maximise natural light throughout the hospital.
"Another aspect of level 2 is a dedicated lift which operates between the Sterilising Services Unit and the operating theatres below. The Sterilising Services Unit safely processes reusable medical devices which include instruments used in theatre."
Work has begun on the construction of the carpark to the north of the facility. Car parking has always been considered a priority.
