Chris Minns

Premier of New South Wales

Yasmin Catley

Minister for the Hunter

Jenny Aitchison

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

$6 million to address Speers Point bottleneck

Lake Macquarie locals are a step closer to smoother and faster journeys through Speers Point with the NSW Government today announcing $6 million in funding to progress plans for an upgrade of the Speers Point roundabout.

The NSW Government has been working with stakeholders including Lake Macquarie City Council to support the growth of the North West Lake Macquarie area.

Improving transport movements in this key growth area for the region is essential, with predicted increases of nearly 12,000 residents and 6,000 jobs over the next 20 years.

Transport for NSW is focusing on providing a safe and reliable road network in the area along with increased opportunities for people to walk, ride and use public transport.

We’ll begin to develop a range of opportunities aimed at reducing congestion on Five Islands Road and TC Frith Avenue.

These plans will then be presented to the community and other stakeholders, allowing them to provide feedback which Transport will use to refine these plans and deliver the best possible outcome for all.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“The NSW Government is delivering on our commitment to a further $6 million towards an upgrade of this busy intersection.

“We want to get more motorists home quicker by ensuring a smoother and safer journey and clearing this notorious bottleneck.

“We made a clear commitment to put regional infrastructure at the core of our agenda. To demonstrate our commitment, this funding more than doubles funding promises made by the former government.

“We’re keen to leave dithering commitments and empty promises by governments of the past in the past.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“This funding is an investment in our future and will ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to support growth in the Hunter.

“We know the community has been desperate for an end to the frustrating and lengthy traffic delays at this bottleneck, this funding will go a long way towards addressing that.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport & Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“We know the Speers Point roundabout is a local bottleneck, causing long delays during peak hours.

“The funding we’re providing today will allow Transport for NSW to examine the best way of improving the traffic flow around this key intersection.

“This could involve changes to the layout of the existing roundabout, adding traffic signals and may also include changes at surrounding intersections.

“Transport will also use this funding to develop cost estimates and schedules to help inform decision making about the project.”