$76m Mandalong Rd Upgrade a step closer to construction

Construction on the $76 million Mandalong Road upgrade in New South Wales is a step closer to commencing following the release of the review of environment factors (REF) by Transport for NSW. 

The REF highlights the project’s proposed construction methods and it addresses how the work will be managed, including the proposed methods used to minimise environmental impacts. 

This milestone will now enable the project to move to the detailed design phase. 

The release of the REF follows community consultations held last year, which showed 80 per cent support for the preferred design. 

“We are building better communities for NSW ensuring we have the road infrastructure we need to improve people’s daily lives. The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering for our regional communities like Morisset which need to be well-connected to thrive. 

“I’d like to acknowledge Dan Repacholi MP and Greg Piper MP for their advocacy in ensuring this community has the infrastructure it needs and deserves. 

“The Morisset community has been clear in their feedback, showing strong support for the proposal which includes much-needed upgrades, including traffic signals, active transport connections and new bus stops,” Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison MP said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

Proposed key features of the project include: 

• Upgrading the Mandalong Road/Freemans Drive/Dora Street/Wyee Road intersection, including 

• • Replacing the existing roundabout with new traffic lights 

• • Providing additional through and turning lanes on all approached of the intersection 

• • Providing a central raised median on all approaches of the intersection 

• Providing active transport connections, including 

• • A shared user path along the length of the proposal on Mandalong Road and Dora Street 

• • A shared user path on the eastern side of Wyee Road 

• • A footpath on the north-eastern corner of Dora Street and Freemans Drive 

• Providing two new bus stop facilities on Dora Street 

The upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $56 million and $20 million respectively. 

“Morisset is growing rapidly, but for too long, the infrastructure investment didn’t match the needs of the local area. Previous Governments, State and Federal ignored this region, and it’s had major implications on the local community. 

“I’ve been a big advocate for this upgrade, and it’s great to see this crucial project is one step closer,” Federal Member for the Hunter Dan Repacholi MP said. 

“I’m very thankful that this important road upgrade is now a big step closer. The community had become frustrated with the lack of urgency from the previous government to address the obvious need for action on our local roads. 

“The need has been obvious, and action requested for years, so I’m very pleased that this Government are fulfilling their commitment to get the project underway as soon as possible,” Independent Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper MP said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Yahoo! Finance