Plans to upgrade Hillsborough Road between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to west of Crockett Street have taken a leap forward.
Transport for NSW this week released the review of environmental factors (REF) submissions report, which is now online.
The NSW Government is committing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the project, which involves enhancing the Crockett Street intersection, including the installation of traffic lights.
Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said Hillsborough Road was a key corridor between Charlestown and Warners Bay.
“The upgrade will improve safety and travel times for 36,000 motorists who travel along this busy thoroughfare each day,” she explained.
“On completion, the full upgrade will deliver the duplication of about 1.8km of Hillsborough Road, installation of traffic lights on Crockett Street, Chadwick Street and Barker Avenue as well as other important improvements.
“In addition to reducing congestion and traffic flow for all road users, the project is estimated to support up to 130 jobs during construction.”
Publication of the submissions report follows public display of the REF for the project in November.
It summarises community comments and provides Transport for NSW’s responses to the submissions made.
Ms Zycki said the main issues raised by the community during the consultation period included timing for delivery of the project, design issues around traffic lights, facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users, and questions around biodiversity.
“The full upgrade will result in improved pedestrian safety through the introduction of shared path facilities for the entire length of the proposal,” she added.
“It’ll improve pedestrian facilities across Hillsborough Road, through the use of a dedicated pedestrian crossing located at the traffic lights.
“In total, there will be three new pedestrian crossings to cross Hillsborough Road as part of the full-length upgrades.
“The new design includes traffic lights and a U-turn bay on Barker Avenue, as well as a separated left-in and left-out only exit for access to the Combined Newcastle Canine Club showgrounds.
“Transport for NSW will progress with the detail design following environmental approval and will continue to explore opportunities to accelerate construction.”
The project is to be delivered in stages, with the first expected to start in 2025 and take about 18 months to complete, depending on final staging arrangements.
More information and a copy of the report, which summarises the community comments and provides responses to the submissions made, can be viewed at nswroads.work/hillsboroughroad
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