Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has questioned the Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison as to why she thinks the ‘Donut’ is the worst traffic bottleneck in Port Macquarie when she knows only too well that the biggest traffic congestion is the Wrights Road/Lake Road roundabouts.
“Local residents and motorists are fuming that the Minister has overlooked the number one traffic frustration in the Hastings and is announcing works that won’t be finalised on the Pacific Highway and Oxley Highway Interchange Upgrade until 2029 and that is only Stage One,” Mr Dwyer said.
“I support improving the safety of motorist by increasing the northbound highway off ramp to help future proof the intersection but not at the expense of funding the business case and planning for the Wrights Road Lake Road upgrades.
Reiterating what he spoke about in Parliament last week, “Residents of the Port Macquarie electorate have endured years of frustration, delay, and disruption due to the chronic congestion at the Wrights Road and Lake Road roundabouts – a key section of the Oxley Highway corridor.
“With the expected population increase of around 28% over the next 16 years, we cannot sit around and wait for the Oxley Highway into Port Macquarie to become a carpark and cost millions of dollars each year in lost productivity.
“When I met with the Premier last week, I also raised the issue about the upcoming redevelopment of Port Macquarie Base Hospital. We are about to spend $264 million on the upgrade and I questioned about how construction crews will actually be able to access the hospital during traffic gridlocks.
“We need urgent action now which is why I along with my Parliamentary colleagues are calling on the Minns Labor Government to declare this stretch of Highway to be a State Significant Infrastructure project to allow it to be eligible for Federal Funding consideration.
“With the expertise of Transport for NSW, we should be able to chew gum and walk at the same time and plan and deliver both projects concurrently,” Mr Dwyer said.
