THE State Government is currently finalising a business case for staged intersection upgrades along the Oxley Highway between John Oxley Drive and Hastings River Drive.
This update was provided in NSW Parliament by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson on Thursday, 23 October, following a speech by Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer on the area’s traffic gridlock issues.
Ms Watson said the business case would “guide future investment to improve safety and travel reliability, particularly at the Wrights Road and Lake Road intersections”.
“The draft business case is complete and currently undergoing an assurance review to ensure it meets Infrastructure NSW requirements,” she said.
“This process ensures that all viable options have been considered, that the project meets its key objectives, and that it delivers the best value for money for the community.
“Once assured, the business case will outline preferred options for both Wrights Road and Lake Road, paving the way for funding and construction.”
Ms Watson said the proposed upgrades are designed to address congestion, safely accommodate planned growth, provide greater travel choice and improve access into Port Macquarie and its health and education precinct.
In his impassioned speech to parliament, Mr Dwyer noted that more than 10,000 people in less than two weeks had signed a petition seeking urgent action.
“The intersections are no longer just a nuisance; they are a critical infrastructure failure,” he said.
“With over 20,000 vehicle movements every single day and 11,000 new homes planned across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, the corridor is operating well beyond its intended capacity.
“It is not a hypothetical future problem; it is a present and growing crisis.
“Peak-hour delays of 20 minutes are projected to increase to 40 minutes by 2030.
“That is not just time lost; it is productivity lost, opportunity lost and, in some cases, lives put at risk.”
Mr Dwyer said that despite the $264 million upgrade currently underway at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, the surrounding road network has been neglected.
“What good is a world-class hospital if ambulances are stuck in traffic, unable to reach patients in time?”
The local MP also criticised the State Government for withdrawing $1 million in planning funds after the Federal Government cut its $4 million contribution, stating the decision was “not just disappointing, it is dangerous.”
Welcoming the announcement that the draft business case is now complete, Mr Dwyer said he “won’t stop fighting” for the upgrade until the commencement of construction.
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