One of Lake Macquarie’s busiest thoroughfares is set to benefit from a $76 million funding injection, which should ease traffic congestion in the area.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway announced on Thursday 14 April the Australian and NSW governments were both committed to upgrade Mandalong Road.

The Commonwealth will contribute $56 million towards the project, subject to the completion of a final business case, with its state counterpart chipping in the remaining $20 million.

Two roundabouts are to be replaced with traffic lights, while creating two lanes in each direction between the Pacific Motorway and Freemans Drive is expected to improve travel times.

Additional bays will ensure motorists and heavy vehicles are able to safely – and easily – turn into and off Mandalong Road, which intersects with the Pacific Motorway.

Mr Joyce said the upgrade was part of the $7.1 billion Energy Security and Regional Development plan, unveiled in the 2022-23 Budget, to develop key regions across Australia and transform them into next generation export hubs.

“Effective road infrastructure to carry the goods that people want to buy is critical to support economic growth,” he explained.

“This [Mandalong Road] project falls into the Coalition’s $750 million investment into the Hunter to expand into new export industries while continuing to support traditional sectors, strengthen the local economy and magnify the region’s position as a leading exporter to the world.”

Lake Macquarie City Council CEO Morven Cameron welcomed the news.

“The upgrade to Mandalong Road and its associated intersections is required to release development lands that will allow Morisset to grow and realise its potential,” he said.

“Investors and families are already targeting Morisset for its strategic location and capacity to service residential and commercial needs, with more than $1.2 billion of housing, tourism, commercial and industrial development poised for delivery.”

Lake Macquarie state MP Greg Piper added it was an excellent investment to address not only the current demand but the obvious future residential and commercial growth of the Morisset area.

“The federal and state governments have stepped up to address a problem way beyond the capacity of council to do,” he said.

“This will continue to drive investment in the area.”

Nationals candidate for Hunter James Thomson said the government wanted a strong economy – and this investment would help its cause.

“I am committed to making roads safer and improving the quality of life for families on the western side of Lake Macquarie,” he stated.

“The [Mandalong Road] upgrades will ease congestion, reduce commuting times and unlock in excess of $1 billion worth of investment into Morisset and surrounding areas.”

The government’s $750 million investment into the Hunter under the $7.1 billion Energy Security and Regional Development plan also includes:

• $268.8 million to build the New England Highway Bypass to Muswellbrook, better connecting regional industries and helping them get their products to port
• $100 million to support pre-Final Investment Decision activities and early works to make the Port of Newcastle “hydrogen ready”

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