Plans are afoot to upgrade one of the busiest routes in the region, the intersection of Newcastle Link and Minmi roads at Cameron Park.
The NSW Government is set to begin early investigations on that section of the thoroughfare in the hope of improving future traffic flow, journey reliability and safety.
Over the coming months, workers will carry out field studies on site, which are expected to identify utilities, property, geotechnical and environmental constraints and provide vital detail to help inform the project.
The A15 Newcastle Link Road connects Newcastle and its suburbs to the M1 Pacific Motorway and the M15 Hunter Expressway, linking Newcastle to the Central Coast, Sydney, Hunter Valley and New England regions.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will develop options for the upgrade before seeking feedback from the community and stakeholders.
“The NSW Government is committed to exploring all possibilities for the intersection of Newcastle Link Road and Minmi Road,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, and Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison said.
“It is a major arterial route providing a vital link to the residential, commercial and recreational areas of Newcastle.
“About 60,000 motorists travel through this intersection each day and this upgrade would improve safety and traffic flow with more reliable travel times.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley welcomed the move.
“We know the Hunter’s population is increasing, so we need to prepare to build more infrastructure to keep up with demand,” she said.
“Proper preparation conducted by Transport for NSW means we do it once… and it get it right the first time.
“It also means we’ll be shovel ready for when the intersection is approved.
“So, the Hunter residents get the infrastructure they need and deserve as soon as possible.”
Aspects such as safety, traffic flow, increased capacity, intersection improvements, public and active transport, property impacts and the environment are all being considered as part of the project.
“With the continued development of Cameron Park and surrounding areas, it is timely to see the government being proactive and exploring options to improve current and future traffic flow,” Cessnock MP Clayton Barr said.
“These investigations provide the first steps.”
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery concurred.
“With the growth we are seeing in the Minmi, Fletcher and Wallsend areas, it’s so important to see planning for infrastructure upgrades on one of our region’s most important roads,” she said.
Timing for construction is not confirmed and would be dependent on planning approval and future funding availability.
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