This project involves the elevation of the New England Highway over the intersection with Weakleys Drive and the extension of Weakleys Drive to a new roundabout at Glenwood Drive.

Background

The Weakleys Drive interchange project was funded by the Australian Government under the AusLink National Transport Plan.

The project, together with the State Government funded $7 million Link Road between Thornton and Beresfield (Glenwood Drive) eliminated three signalised intersections for through traffic on the New England Highway.

Features

Features of the interchange include: 

• Elevation of the New England Highway over the intersection with Weakleys Drive.
• Extension of Weakleys Drive to a new roundabout at Glenwood Drive.
• Signalised intersection of Weakleys Drive beneath the New England Highway, with on/off ramps to and from the highway.
• Removal of the existing traffic signals at Thornton Road, Weakleys Drive and Anderson Drive for through traffic on the New England Highway.
• Left turn in/out only at Thornton Road with the New England Highway off-ramp.
• Left turn out only at Anderson Drive onto the New England Highway.

A plan of the intersection is available to view via the links below.

Benefits

• Reduced traffic congestion.
• Increased safety for motorists.

What happened?

• 1994 – Consideration of options to meet short term and long term traffic needs in this area.
• 1996 – Traffic signals installed at the three intersections as a short term measure.
• July 2003 – Link road between Thornton and Beresfield (Glenwood Drive) completed.
• July to August 2004 – Exhibition of options for the interchange.
• August 2005 – Review of Environmental Factors report approved for preferred option.
• December 2006 – Construction contract awarded to FRH Group Pty Ltd.
• March 2007 – Construction commenced.
• October 2008 - Bridge open to traffic.
• January 2009 - Construction contract completion achieved.
• March 2009 - Landscaping work commenced under the separate contract.

Further information

For further information about the project, please contact the project manager, Kidner Kumaran on (02) 4924 0637 or email Kidner_Kumaran@rta.nsw.gov.au.

Postal address:

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority)
Locked bag 30
NEWCASTLE NSW 2300