The Minns Labor Government is delivering for the Mid North Coast, today joining with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) to announce the completion of the long-awaited Ocean Drive Duplication in Port Macquarie.
The $123 million project, jointly funded by the NSW Government and PMHC, has transformed 3.2 kilometres of Ocean Drive into a modern, safe, four-lane corridor that will reduce congestion, improve travel times and better connect a rapidly growing region.
Ocean Drive is one of many projects moving forward along the Coast as part of the Minns Government's $30 billion-a-year infrastructure program, which is building and improving the essential services and transport links regional communities rely on.
The completion makes it easier for locals and visitors to travel along Ocean Drive, following the duplication of sections between Greenmeadows Drive and Matthew Flinders Drive, and upgrading intersections.
The upgrade of Ocean Drive delivers:
- A new four-lane divided carriageway
- Upgraded intersections to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability
- New shared pedestrian and cycling paths
- Better crossing points and road safety features
- Koala-exclusion fencing and a dedicated fauna underpass
- Major upgrades to water, wastewater and utility infrastructure delivered alongside the road works
These improvements help to future-proof the corridor for growing traffic demands and enhance connections to schools, health services, local businesses and key coastal destinations.
The work also forms part of a broader long-term transport network improvement, including planning for the Lake Road Duplication.
The opening today will be marked with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, with Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts and other state, local and community representatives in attendance.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"The Minns Labor Government working with the local council to deliver for the Mid North Coast. We know the community has been calling for this upgrade, and today we're delivering safer, faster and more reliable trips for locals and visitors across the Coast.
"This upgrade responds to strong population growth in this region, providing improved access for residents to local services, including health, schools and small businesses.
"We're the first government in decades delivering the homes, infrastructure and essential services communities need, all at once, as part of one plan. And that includes long-overdue road upgrades like this one.
"This project shows what happens when State and Local Government roll up their sleeves and get on with the job."
Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts said:
"The completion of the Ocean Drive Duplication Project marks a landmark achievement for our region and is Council's largest investment in road infrastructure to date.
"This is more than just a road upgrade. Our commitment to meeting current and future water and wastewater infrastructure needs has also been considered, with close to five kilometres of upgraded pipeline network integrated into the delivery of this project.
"The appointment of Ditchfield Contracting has also created new jobs and boosted the local economic profile of the region. This project shows what can be achieved when we invest in infrastructure that supports growth, enhances liveability and strengthens our regional economy."
