Department of Planning, Industry and Environment today announced Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is switching on the traffic lights at a new major intersection on the New England Highway in Lochinvar, on the outskirts of Maitland.
Monica Gibson, the Department's Acting Executive Director Local and Regional Planning, said the NSW Government's $11.5 million investment to upgrade Wyndella Road intersection will improve safety and provide faster access for residents moving to new homes in the area.
"This is helping create better and more liveable communities for the future residents of the Lochinvar urban release area, by providing faster, safer access from the highway," Ms Gibson said.
"This project will help to accelerate the delivery of up to 5,000 homes in the new family neighbourhood."
The project was funded through the Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF), under the State Government's Restart NSW program, and has been delivered by TfNSW.
Corinne Thompson, TfNSW's Acting Regional Director Hunter, said the work included installing traffic lights and widening the highway at Wyndella Road to provide two lanes in each direction, as well as turning lanes into the future residential area of Lochinvar.
"Building these additional lanes will cater for future traffic demands and improve safety," Ms Thompson said.
"The new traffic lights will provide safe access to the New England Highway for thousands of new residents who will be moving into the area."
The HAF project builds on the Government's commitment, to deliver new housing in the Maitland Corridor and connect its regionally significant centres and employment lands.
It supports the vision of Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036, to become the leading regional economy in Australia with a vibrant metropolitan city at its heart.
"HAF grants allow early investment in infrastructure projects that are a blockage to housing delivery or would only be considered for funding in the longer term, often after housing is built," Ms Gibson said.
