NOW UNDERWAY: $4.5-MILLION FAILFORD ROAD UPGRADES AND $4-MILLION BLACKHEAD ROAD ROUNDABOUT

Work has started this week on two major road upgrades for the MidCoast, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments.

Motorists can see important upgrades happening on Failford Road at the busy intersection with the Pacific Highway, to reduce accidents.

Federal funding of $3.6-million and NSW funding of $902,000 will deliver safety features including flexible wire rope barriers and audio-tactile line marking on the edges and down the centre of Failford Road.

The $4-million roundabout and safety upgrades at The Lakes Way/ Blackhead Road intersection are also now underway.

Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie joined MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin on Thursday to announce the start of work on the busy roundabout site.

“The upgrades here on Blackhead Road will deliver the safety upgrades the community has called for, with a three-leg roundabout, including traffic calming, line marking, lighting and signage,” Dr Gillespie said.

“This notorious stretch of road has seen too many accidents and near misses. We are committed to removing this road black spot, so it’s good to see work finally underway.” 

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the works would include service adjustments, some changes to nearby property access, kerb and guttering, road and drainage works, as well as bus bays and footpaths. 

“With work expected to take around 12 months to complete, there will be significant periods of traffic control during the construction, so we are asking motorists to remain patient and allow extra time in their travel,” Mr Bromhead said.

“Improving the safety of these critical arteries ensures safer trips to and from school, work and the shops, which is why we are investing in building a safer and stronger regional NSW.”

MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin welcomed the collaboration between all three levels of government.

“We continue to work closely with NSW and the Australian governments to deliver important improvements to the travel routes that connect us as a community,” Mayor Pontin said.