Planning begins on NSW John Renshaw Drive upgrade project

Planning will progress on a project that will help cut congestion as well as improve travel times and road safety on the John Renshaw Drive in New South Wales following a joint funding commitment of $15 million. 

The Australian Government is providing $13 million while the State Government will invest $3 million towards the John Renshaw Drive project. 

“John Renshaw Drive is a key connector between Maitland, Newcastle, Cessnock, Wellsend and the Upper Hunter. 

“Upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will support the development of proposed industrial areas as well as the broader regional economy by providing more efficient access for commuters and heavy freight between the Lower and Upper Hunter and to key regional employment areas such as the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport. 

“This incredibly important planning is one of several projects, including M1 to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening, we are undertaking to address current and predicted traffic growth at the critical strategic junction of the M1 Motorway, Pacific and New England highways,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

Due to high traffic volumes, multiple traffic signals and a lack of road capacity, motorists are currently experiencing major time delays when navigating the junction of the M1 Pacific Motorway, John Renshaw Drive, Weakleys Drive and New England Highway at Beresfield. 

The State Government will now begin investigating upgrade options to John Renshaw Drive including improvements for the intersection of the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive; lane duplication of Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive; and access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway. 

“These upgrades to John Renshaw Drive will improve safety and traffic flow for better travel times and more reliable trips, especially during peak periods. 

“It will help meet current and future traffic demands in the area, as well as support the development of the proposed industrial areas and broader regional economy,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Ultimately, the John Renshaw Drive project will reduce travel times for motorists while also improving efficiency of freight movement along a key part of the regional freight network that connects to the port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport. 

The project’s construction timeline will depend on further funding as well as planning approvals. 

“The Australian and NSW governments are proud to be getting the ball rolling on upgrading John Renshaw Drive and Weakleys Drive which will improve connectivity, road transport efficiency and safety for many motorists. 

“We are planning for a more reliable, less congested road network in one of the fastest growing areas of NSW. This is essential for local residents in and across Maitland, Thornton and Beresfield. We need better infrastructure and to build greater capacity in the network where it links to the M1 Pacific Motorway,” Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said. 

“This area of the Hunter is growing rapidly which is why we need to ensure our infrastructure is up to shape. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing solutions which will ensure the best possible road network for our regional travellers while also minimising traffic delays for our local commuters,” State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia