REGIONAL Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison has delivered some rare good news for road users in Port Macquarie by officially declaring the Ocean Drive Duplication Project done.
That’s not to say work has been completed.
Road barriers are still in place, the roundabouts are yet to be finished, traffic lights need to be switched on and remediation and landscaping works are ongoing.
The $123 million project, jointly funded by the NSW Government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, has transformed 3.2kms of Ocean Drive into a four-lane corridor designed to reduce congestion and improve travel times.
The project also includes upgraded intersections with traffic lights to cut bottlenecks, shared pedestrian and cycling paths, better crossing points and road safety features, koala-exclusion fencing and a dedicated fauna underpass.
Major upgrades to water, wastewater and utility infrastructure have been delivered alongside the roadworks.
Ms Aitchison joined Mayor Adam Roberts and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer onsite on Wednesday morning to celebrate the project meeting its end of 2025 deadline.
“This upgrade responds to strong population growth in this region, providing improved access for residents to local services, including health, schools and small businesses,” Ms Aitchison said.
Cr Roberts said “the completion of the Ocean Drive Duplication Project marks a landmark achievement for our
region and is Council’s largest investment in road infrastructure to date.”
“This is more than just a road upgrade.
“Our commitment to meeting current and future water and wastewater infrastructure needs has also been considered, with close to five kilometres of upgraded pipeline network integrated into the delivery of this project.
“The appointment of Ditchfield Contracting has also created new jobs and boosted the local economic profile of the region.
“This project shows what can be achieved when we invest in infrastructure that supports growth, enhances liveability and strengthens our regional economy.”
The work also forms part of a broader long-term transport network improvement, including planning for the Lake Road Duplication.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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