CALLS FOR FUNDING TO START NEW PHASE OF PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE BEGINS TO PAY DIVIDENDS

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has announced $48 million in Federal funding towards the construction of a new $60-million overpass at the Harrington - Coopernook intersection on the Pacific Highway. 

Dr Gillespie has held discussions with Federal and State Ministers about the need to upgrade five key intersections between Newcastle and Port Macquarie. 

“Italia Road, Medowie Road and Bucketts Way need a new grade separated interchange, as does Failford Road, Harrington and Houston Mitchell Drive. The Oxley Highway interchange also needs further improvements. These upgrades will make these intersections safer and more efficient,” Dr Gillespie said.

“Earlier this year I wrote to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister seeking a funding commitment towards these upgrades and I’m delighted they have delivered.”

Dr Gillespie says he wants the State Government to fast track the design and planning process for all intersections so construction can be brought forward on the remaining highway overpasses.

“Earlier in the Pacific Highway Upgrading Program, particularly between Newcastle and Port Macquarie, the focus was to transform as much of the highway to four lanes as possible and to come back and do the major intersection upgrades at a later time.

“This policy was altered midway through the program and consequently all major intersections north of Port Macquarie have grade-separated interchanges.”

“Today’s announcement proves that the Federal Government is ready to help fund these important projects. We now need Transport for NSW to get on and make sure the remaining overpass projects are shovel-ready,” he added.