Joint media release with the Hon Janelle Saffin MP
A major milestone has been reached on an upgrade of Maria River Road which connects Port Macquarie and Crescent Head, with a quarter of the 20.2km sealing project complete.
The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing a total of $24.3 million in upgrading Maria River Road to significantly improve safety, reliability and connectivity for residents, businesses, freight operators and emergency services and reduce dust and noise for locals.
The project is being delivered by Port Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey Shire Councils.
With the first five kilometres now sealed from the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Maria River Road, works will continue along the southern section of the upgrade and are expected to be sealed by late September, weather permitting.
Line marking started in late August, with this work to continue in parallel with the remaining sealing work at the northern end of Maria River Road.
Construction contractor Eire Construction commenced work in January, with crews already carrying out extensive drainage, culvert, pavement and road preparation works ahead of sealing.
The project remains on track for completion by the end of 2026, weather permitting.
Motorists are reminded that Maria River Road remains an active construction site and are asked to adhere to changed road conditions, follow the directions of traffic controllers, observe reduced speed limits and allow additional travel time through work areas.
The $24.3 million funding includes $17 million through the NSW Government's Fixing Local Roads program and $7.34 million through the Australian and NSW Government's Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain
"The Albanese and Minns governments are working together to deliver safer and more reliable transport connections for communities across the Mid North Coast.
"Sealing Maria River Road will make a real difference for local residents, businesses, freight operators and emergency services by improving access, reducing travel disruptions and creating a more resilient road network.
"Through our investment in this upgrade, we're helping communities recover from past disasters while building infrastructure that is better equipped to withstand future extreme weather events and keep people connected when it matters most."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison
"We're getting on with the job of delivering a safer, more reliable Maria River Road, and with the first five kilometres now sealed, this important upgrade is well underway.
"This investment will deliver a better road network for the community for years to come and improve accessibility for all motorists across the region."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin
"Disaster recovery is about more than just repairing damage - it's about building back better so our regional roads can withstand whatever nature throws at them next.
"Through disaster recovery funding arrangements, we're providing local councils with the essential funding needed to restore and strengthen critical infrastructure, ensuring North Coast communities stay safely connected, even during severe weather."
Quotes attributable to Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor, Adam Roberts
"Seeing the first five kilometres of Maria River Road now sealed is a significant moment and shows just how far this project has progressed since construction began earlier this year.
"This road has presented challenges for residents and road users for many years, particularly following periods of wet weather and it is exciting now to reach the point where people can really see progress on a project the community has advocated for over many years."
Quotes attributable to Kempsey Shire Mayor, Kinne Ring
"This project shows what can be achieved when councils and governments collaborate on infrastructure that matters to regional communities.
"Residents travel between Kempsey and Port Macquarie Hastings on a daily basis for work, education, business, sport and recreation, and this upgrade will help maintain those connections into the future."
