GREEN LIGHT FOR $9-MILLION ITALIA ROAD/ PACIFIC HIGHWAY INTERSECTION PLAN

Joint Federal-State funding of $9-million will deliver the first critical step towards a grade-separated interchange at the busy Italia Road/ Pacific Highway junction, which links Dungog shire and the Lower Hunter with the M1. 

The Federal Coalition Government has today announced a commitment of $7.2-milllion towards a comprehensive business plan, with the NSW Government to contribute $1.8-million.

This investment through the 2022-23 Federal Budget builds on the substantial investment our Government has already made for local Pacific Highway intersections: 

·         $1.6-billion for the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight project

·         $48-million Harrington-Coopernook overpass on the Pacific Highway

·         $3.6-million safety upgrades on the Failford Road/Pacific Highway intersection

·         $600,000 upgrades to the busy Myall Way/Pacific Highway junction. 

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said he would continue to agitate for more grade-separated interchanges, as the necessary next phase following the completion of the 650-km Pacific Highway duplication.

“There are many intersections that need to be grade separated. These should go up the priority list and I’ll keep fighting, as I have for Italia Road, for Federal funds to contribute,” Dr Gillespie said.  

“These projects will make our roads safer, particularly for local traffic entering and exiting the Pacific Highway and reduce travel times.

“The Nationals in Government will continue to invest in the projects that create jobs, keep motorists and freight moving efficiently and make our nation and economy stronger.”

For more information on infrastructure investments, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au