The Oxley Highway links Port Macquarie and the Pacific Highway to the New England Highway near Bendemeer. The Oxley continues west of Tamworth, through Gunnedah and on to link with the Newell Highway near Coonabarabran.

On the eastern part of the route, traffic volumes are significantly higher in the short section between the Pacific Highway and Port Macquarie, with an average of around 15,000 vehicles per day. Between the Pacific Highway and Wauchope volumes drop to around 9,500. West of Wauchope the traffic volumes decline significantly with less than 500 vehicles per day midway between Wauchope and Walcha.

Port Macquarie is a recognised growth area and planned development in nearby Wauchope is expected to increase traffic between Wauchope and Port Macquarie. With the completion of the Pacific Highway to Wrights Road link the full section east of the Pacific Highway to Port Macquarie will be dual carriageway.

The upgrade of the Oxley Highway from Wrights Road to the Pacific Highway was opened to traffic in February 2012.

Investigations have started on the section of the Oxley Highway from the Pacific Highway to Wauchope. 

Roads and Maritime Services will continue to keep the local community informed on the status of the Oxley Highway through this website, community newsletters and local newspaper advertisements.