In the 2008 budget, the NSW Government committed $16 million in 2008-09 to allow tenders to be called for the construction of the full length of the Oxley Highway Upgrade.
The project
The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is managing the upgrade of a 6 kilometre section of the Oxley Highway to dual carriageway from Wrights Road to the Pacific Highway, west of Port Macquarie. The upgrade will cross Lindfield Park Road before passing over the existing Oxley Highway just west of Philip Charley Drive and rejoin the existing highway at the roundabout near the Pacific Highway.
Background
In 2002, the NSW Government announced the Oxley Highway between Wrights Road and the Pacific Highway at Port Macquarie would be upgraded. Following community and stakeholder consultation, a preferred option was selected in October 2003. A review of environment factors (September 2004) and species impact statement (December 2004) were displayed for community comment. Planning approval was granted in April 2006.
Project benefits
The upgrade of the Oxley Highway will improve road safety and provide shorter travel times for motorists travelling from Wauchope and surrounding areas into Port Macquarie. It will also reduce traffic noise for residents living near the existing highway and improve access for all road users including cyclists and pedestrians.
Current activities
Construction on the initial work for the Oxley Highway upgrade began in February 2008 with work at Wrights Road roundabout. The roundabout will enable safer and more efficient access for the construction of the remainder of the work.
Construction work on the cross-over bridge at Lindfield Park Road commenced in July 2008. The completed bridge will enable earthmoving equipment and construction vehicles to cross over the existing highway with minimal disruptions to traffic when construction commences on the full dual carriageway.
Both the roundabout and cross-over bridge are expected to be completed in mid 2009 before the main contractor commences on site for the full dual carriageway construction.
The fully completed project is expected to be open to traffic in 2011.
More Information
For further information contact:
RTA Project Manager, Lindsay Nash
Phone: 131 782
Email: lindsay_nash@rta.nsw.gov.au
Back to top