The Roads and Traffic Authority identified priorities to develop the Wallsend to Morisset route (MR217). The highest priority for upgrading MR217 is the section between the Booragul and Speers Point roundabouts, across the "Five Islands" (Five Islands Road). This section of the road carries the most traffic and is of strategic importance in directly connecting the western shore of Lake Macquarie with the more extensively developed areas to the north.
The objectives of the upgrade were to reduce traffic delays due to congestion and to improve safety, accessibility and amenity along Five Islands Road, consistent with its purpose of responding to metropolitan growth and accessibility.
This project was fully funded by the NSW Government.
Features of the upgrade include:
Widening the existing road between Booragul and Speers Point roundabouts from two lanes to a four lane divided carriageway.
Constructing two new bridges across the mouth of Cockle Creek, adjacent to and west of the existing bridges.
Constructing a new slip lane from The Esplanade joining Five Islands Road to improve traffic flow at the intersection.
Upgrading the Booragul and Speers Point roundabouts to improve the alignment and provide for the widened road.
Improving pedestrian and cycleway facilities, including an underpass beneath the southern bridges.
What has happened to date?
1998 - Development of options for the upgrade of the road.
1999 - Selection of the preferred option.
2000 - Preparation and public exhibition of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
2001 - Consideration of public submissions and preparation of Representations Report.
2002 - Approval for the project to proceed.
2003 - Complete detailed design.
January 2004 - Invite tenders for construction.
October 2004 - Construction contract awarded to Thiess.
January 2005 - Commence work on site.
April 2006 - Open the new bridges in a temporary traffic arrangement to allow refurbishment of existing bridges.
November 2006 - Completed road works at Anzac Parade.
January 2007 – open to four lanes 25 January.
March 2007 - completion
Community involvement
Community involvement was an important part of this project. The RTA wanted to ensure that the community was kept informed about the project and that members of the community could provided input where possible.
Community liaison group meetings were held regularly to keep local residents informed of progress and to canvass issues of concern that could be addressed during construction.
The local community was kept informed of progress and any important construction issues through letterbox drops and advertisements in the local papers.
The community celebrated the completion of the project with a Community Day at Tulkaba Park on 4 March 2007, when the project was officially opened.
Back to top