Port Stephens residents are being asked once again to have their say on the Nelson Bay Road duplication project with the state government now seeking feedback on three route alignment options.
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Eight months after seeking the community's comments on route options, the state Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said feedback is now being sought on the three potential route options for the upgrade of Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bobs Farm.
"The NSW Government has invested heavily in delivering a safer and more efficient Nelson Bay Road for the 25,000 motorists who use it every day, with work completed on the Bobs Farm to Anna Bay section in 2015 and the Medowie Road intersection in 2019, and work progressing on the Lemon Tree Passage Rd intersection," Mr Toole said.
"The Williamtown to Bobs Farm duplication is the last major piece of this upgrade and will make a huge difference, delivering many benefits including improved traffic flow, better travel times and enhanced safety.
"That's why when the community suggested a different route for the upgrade to the two we originally proposed, we listened, we went back to the drawing board and came up with a third route option.
"We are going back out to the community today for their feedback on all three options.
"This project will be a massive boost for the local economy, creating about 600 jobs, and we want to deliver it as soon as possible, but we also have to take the time to make sure we get it right."
RELATED READING: Duplication still just a plan 18 months after election
The duplication of Nelson Bay Road has long been on the government's agenda, with the Liberal Party making the project a priority at the 2015 and 2019 state elections.
Parts of the road, the Nelson Bay Road and Medowie Road intersection at Williamtown and the Nelson Bay Road and Lemon Tree Passage Road intersection at Salt Ash, have been upgraded, but the full duplication promised to the people of Port Stephens is ongoing.
Three weeks after questioning why the duplication was at a standstill after the election, the Port's Labor MP Kate Washington said it was a "real shame" that the community was only now seeing the new route option.
"After years and years of government promises and missed deadlines, this 11th hour route option will cause yet another delay," she said.
"The Berejiklian Government has mismanaged this road project at every turn and Port Stephens just wants to see action.
"This [new route] looks like an interesting opportunity for Port Stephens that warrants serious consideration. Our community will want to understand all of the impacts, particularly on affected residents, business owners and the environment.
"I will be urging RMS to provide a public forum for residents to have their questions answered. I encourage everyone to have their say to make sure we get the best outcome."
The three options the state government has put forward for the duplication of Nelson Bay Road between Williamtown and Bobs Farm are:
'On-line' option: A duplication of the existing road over two sections
Williamtown to Salt Ash section:
- Starts at Medowie Road, Williamtown roundabout
- Duplication of existing road for about 5km including widening of the road corridor
- Ends about 800m from Richardson Road, Salt Ash roundabout
Salt Ash to Bobs Farm section:
- Starts at Lemon Tree Passage Road roundabout
- Duplication of existing road for about 4.5km including widening of the road corridor
- Ends at the existing dual carriageway through the sand hills
'Off-line' option: Build new road over two sections
Williamtown to Salt Ash section:
- Starts at Medowie Road, Williamtown roundabout
- Build new off-line road for about 5km
- Ends about 800m from Richardson Road, Salt Ash roundabout
Salt Ash to Bobs Farm section:
- Starts at Lemon Tree Passage Road roundabout
- Build new off-line road for about 4km including widening of the road corridor
- Ends at the existing dual carriageway through the sand hills
'Off-line' option (the new alternative option): Build a new road over one longer section
- Starts at Cabbage Tree Road roundabout near Lavis Lane
- Build new off-line road for about 11km
- Ends at the existing dual carriageway through the sand hills
- Midway intersection at Salt Ash connecting to local network via link road at Oakvale Drive
Key features of all three options are: two lanes in each direction, improved intersection access, improved shoulders for cyclists and minimum 80km/h design.
Transport for NSW is currently planning for duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm as the next "priority for the corridor".
"This upgrade is part of a larger package of works that are transforming the Nelson Bay Road corridor, which is why we are giving the community a side-by-side assessment of each option and how it will affect the road network, the environment, businesses and property," Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said.
Comment may be provided to the project team by emailing nelsonbayroad2@transport.nsw.gov.au or by post to Nelson Bay Road Project Team, Transport for NSW, Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.
