Planning works to cut congestion at a major Hunter region traffic bottleneck will be progressed due to a $15 million investment by the federal and NSW governments.
Investigations will be carried out on ways to upgrade John Renshaw Drive including improvement options for the intersection of the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive, lane duplication of Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive, and access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway.
A key driver of the potential upgrades is the desire to improve freight efficiency in the region along a key part of the network that connects to the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.
Timelines for construction will be dependent on further funding and planning approvals.
“John Renshaw Drive is a key connecter between Maitland, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wallsend and the Upper Hunter,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“Upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will support the development of proposed industrial areas as well as the broader regional economy by providing more efficient access for commuters and heavy freight between the Lower and Upper Hunter and to key regional employment areas such as Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport.
“The incredibly important planning is one of several projects, including M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Street Widening, we are undertaking to address current and predicted traffic growth at the critical strategic junction of the M1 Motorway, Pacific and New England highways.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King says the upgrades are an important part of preparing the corridor for growing future traffic demands.
“These upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will improve safety and traffic flow for better travel times and more reliable trips, especially during peak periods,” King says.
“It will help meet current and future traffic demands in the area, as well as support development of the proposed industrial areas and broader regional economy.”
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