In March 2007, the NSW Government announced that dual carriageway would be constructed on the Central Coast Highway (The Entrance Road) between Erina and Wamberal. The upgrade would widen the road from one lane to two through lanes in each direction, with improved intersections, pedestrian and bus facilities.
Background
The Central Coast Highway provides an important connection between Gosford and The Entrance and also between the beach suburbs and hinterland. The section of highway between Carlton Road and Ocean View Drive is 4.4km long, has one lane in each direction and is used by an average of 28,000 vehicles each day.
What has happened so far?
Widening to four lanes on the adjoining section of the Central Coast Highway to the south (Terrigal Drive to Carlton Road) is now complete. To the north, construction is currently underway between Ocean View Drive and Tumbi Road.
Benefits
Improved safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Increased capacity to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times and congestion.
Improved access for public transport.
Formalised parking arrangements.
Stages
In order to deliver this upgrade with minimal disruption for commuters and local residents, the project will be constructed in two stages:
Stage 1 will be from Carlton Road intersection through to Matcham Road intersection (2.2km in length).
Stage 2 will be from Matcham Road intersection to Ocean View Drive intersection (2.2km in length).
Design issues in this corridor
The RTA recognises this section of the Central Coast Highway has a very attractive rural character. The design of the upgrade aims to minimise impacts on the existing landscape and also provide safe and sustainable outcomes.
The first step to achieve this goal was to undertake a detailed survey of all significant vegetation within and adjacent to the road corridor.
The following principles apply to the design of the upgrade:
The design outcomes include:
Considering footpaths that fit in with the landscape.
Retaining as many trees as possible.
Designing utility relocations to protect existing vegetation.
Considering opportunities to improve access to properties.
Locating drainage works to support the existing vegetation.
Key features of the displayed concept include:
Widening of the Central Coast Highway to two lanes in each direction separated by a median.
An additional bus lane or parking lane in each direction as required.
Upgraded intersections at Carlton Road, Arundel Road, Matcham Road, Willoughby Road and Ocean
View Drive to enhance safety and improve traffic efficiency.
A review of the existing roundabout configuration at Serpentine Road intersection.
A proposed roundabout at Old Gosford Road and Okanagan Close to improve traffic flows and allow for U-turns.
Erina Valley Road, Old Tuggerah Beach Road, Brooks Hill Lane, Brush Road, Highvalley Close and Ghersi Avenue, and access to properties fronting the highway, will be restricted to left in and left out turns only, to improve safety.
A shared pedestrian and off-road cycle path along the southbound verge.
Formalised bus facilities to provide for safer access for passengers.
What happens next?
The RTA is considering all feedback and submissions received for the proposed upgrade for the Central Coast Highway between Carlton Road and Ocean View Drive.
In assessing the options, the RTA recognises the importance of achieving a balance between social, ecological, engineering and cost factors, while continuing to provide for future transport needs.
Further information
Copies of the community update are available on this website in the documents box below. If you require further information please contact the project manager Joel Rosendahl on (02) 4379 7001 or email joel_rosendahl@rta.nsw.gov.au
Please note, all information included in correspondence is collected for the sole purpose of assisting in the assessment of this proposal. The information received, including names and addresses of respondents, may be published in subsequent assessment documents unless clear indication is given in the correspondence that all or part of that information is not to be published.
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