Construction is now well and truly underway on the $24 million Maria River Road Upgrade, with Eire Construction delivering work in stages across the northern and southern sections of the 20.2-kilometre roadway.
A total of 10-kilometres of road will be upgraded from Shoreline Drive on Port Macquarie's North Shore (southern section), while a further 10.2-kilometres of new road will be upgraded to join the existing seal nearest Crescent Head Road (northern section). The upgrade will significantly improve safety, reliability and connectivity for residents, freight operators, emergency services and local businesses.
A remaining 4.1km section in the middle of Maria River Road has been identified as a high koala-activity zone and will remain unsealed for now.
Since work commenced in January, Eire Construction has completed its site establishment, with 90 per cent of culvert extensions and drainage works at the southern end now complete. Culvert and drainage work will then continue along the northern end.
In preparation for spray sealing, gravel and other road base materials will be imported from the Kempsey end of Maria River Road, with sealing of the southern section of road on track for mid-year completion - weather permitting.
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the Maria River Road upgrade will make a meaningful and long-lasting difference to safety, resilience and everyday travel for the communities who rely on this route.
"It's a vital connection for residents, local businesses and the broader region, and this investment will help ensure it meets the needs of a growing and dynamic community," Minister Aitchison said.
"I'm pleased to see that the project is moving forward, and I look forward to the many benefits this upgrade will deliver for many years to come."
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said it was fantastic to see tangible progress on a project that has long been advocated for by both communities.
"Maria River Road is a critical regional link and this upgrade will deliver lasting safety and resilience benefits for our residents and road users," Mayor Roberts said.
"With site establishment complete and major works progressing strongly, we are now seeing the project take shape. Being on track to seal the southern section of the road by mid-year is a significant milestone, and we look forward to continuing this momentum as works move north."
Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring said the partnership between all levels of Government was key to delivering the upgraded road.
"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when Governments work collaboratively across boundaries to deliver better outcomes for our communities," Mayor Ring said.
"The Maria River Road Upgrade will improve reliability, strengthen transport resilience following natural disasters, and support local industry and agriculture. It's a major investment in the future of our regions."
Delivered in partnership between Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Kempsey Shire Council, the $24 million project is being made possible through $17.35 million under the NSW Government's Fixing Local Roads program and an additional $7,346,000 secured through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Both Councils thank the community for their patience during construction and remind road users to follow traffic control directions.
To stay up to date throughout the duration of the project, visit Maria River Road Upgrade Port Macquarie Hastings Council Maria River Road Upgrade Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
