The Government is investing $5.8 million into the upgrade of this pivotal intersection, with the aim of easing congestion, supporting future growth along the corridor and improving safety for the community. This is part of the Government's plans to support communities and improve lives.
Newcastle Link Road joins Newcastle and its suburbs to the M1 Pacific Motorway and the Hunter Expressway, connecting Newcastle to the Central Coast, Sydney, Hunter Valley and New England regions.
The preferred design involves replacing the existing roundabout with a grade separated interchange, including a new bridge taking Minmi Road over Newcastle Link Road with connections in all directions.
This preferred option is the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders.
Active transport improvements have also been considered as part of the preferred design.
Transport will continue to liaise with the community and key stakeholders, including City of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City councils, as the project progresses.
Community consultation runs until 11:59pm, Friday, 17 October.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said:
"This is important planning work which will help prepare the region to meet the needs of a growing population and future housing development.
"The Minns Labor Government is looking ahead and making sure infrastructure planning happens alongside plans for new homes and communities.
"While construction funding is yet to be secured, this early planning work is an important part of building more connected and liveable neighbourhoods."
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said:
"We all know the Newcastle Link Road-Minmi Road intersection can be a bottleneck and we're determined to fix it.
"This planning work is about looking ahead, finding the right long-term fix so the roads can keep up with how fast the area's growing. And getting local feedback is a big part of making sure we get it right.
"The Cameron Park-Minmi corridor is booming and we're making sure the infrastructure grows with it. The Hunter's already a fantastic place to live and we're doing the work now to make it even better for the future."
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:
"Newcastle Link Road is a critical regional route that is used by up to 55,000 vehicles each weekday.
"The NSW Government is investing in the planning work to explore how we can improve transport connections and safety for people travelling across the region.
"Early planning for an upgrade to the Minmi Road intersection aims to reduce congestion and improve reliability for road users, and we're now inviting the community to have their say."
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, said:
"This proposal reflects what the community has been calling for, and now is the time for residents to take a close look and provide feedback on the preferred design.
"Community input is crucial as we plan for a safer, more efficient intersection in the future."
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, said:
"Newcastle Link Road plays an important role connecting communities and industries across the Hunter.
"This planning investment is about ensuring that the intersection can meet the demands of years to come, and we encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation process."
Have your say:
- Online: haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nlrmr
