The much trumpeted duplication of Nelson Bay Road, a $275 million pre-election promise made by the Liberal state government, remains in the planning stages 18 months after the election.
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In response to an inquiry on the progress of the government's commitment, Liberal Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack, could not provide a commencement date for the project.
Not good enough, says Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.
"Our community has waited long enough for this road upgrade, and given COVID-19 hasn't impacted the construction sector, I can't see why we should wait any longer," she said.
"In 2015, they promised to fully duplicate the road by 2019, but nothing happened. Then in 2019, Gladys Berejiklian promised to duplicate Williamtown to Bobs Farm ... but here we are and, yet again, nothing has happened."
Ms Cusack said that Transport for NSW was planning for the upgrade of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm as the next priority for the road corridor.
"Alternative route options for the upgrade suggested by the community will go out for consultation later this year and timing for work to start on the Nelson Bay Road duplication, including a 1km section of dual carriageway, will be subject to business case and funding approval," she said.
Ms Cusack said that a review of environmental factors was being prepared for the construction of the 1km dual carriageway at Bobs Farm.
"This is not impacted by the route options being considered for the remainder of the Williamtown to Bobs Farm duplication project."
Ms Washington said the suggestion that the project needed further budget approvals was quite concerning.
"I have written to the department to seek assurance that the duplication is still guaranteed," she said.
"This project is not just about reducing congestion and supporting our residents and visitors, it's about improving safety and saving lives. At this rate, the government will probably try to reheat the same broken promise before the next election."
Meanwhile, a $6m upgrade proposed for Stockton Bridge would see heavy vehicles detoured along Nelson Bay Road and Cabbage Tree Road for seven months starting in November.
While the state government expects the project will have a limited impact on traffic, with small-sized vehicles still able to use the bridge route, there will be more 68 tonne-plus vehicles on Cabbage Tree and Nelson Bay roads due to a detour in place until June 2021.
"The government is providing $6 million for the work, which will start early next month, to ensure the bridge continues to provide safe and reliable service for many years to come," said Ms Cusack.
"The Stockton Bridge provides a vital link over the Hunter River on the main transport route between Newcastle and Port Stephens. Transport for NSW will carry out the work to strengthen the bridge to ensure its ongoing structural integrity and its continued ability to carry heavy vehicles."
According the the parliamentary secretary's office, more than 19,000 vehicles - including 1000 heavy vehicles - use the Newcastle, Newcastle Airport and Port Stephens route each day.
Scaffolding for external bridge work will be installed on November 4 and work will take place between 7pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday.
Traffic control will be in place, with at least one lane to be open each way at all times. The project is expected to be completed in nine months, with most of the work to be carried out from the scaffolding beneath the bridge.
