Vital upgrades to the Pacific Hwy-Oxley Hwy interchange will soon begin

Community consultation is now underway on the Pacific Highway – Oxley Highway Interchange Upgrade, which is part of the New South Wales Government’s $20 million investment for Stage 1 of the project. 

Upgrading the interchange – also known as The Port Macquarie Donut – will address traffic queuing, safety and congestion at this known pinch point. 

The State Government recognises that Port Macquaries Hastings region is fast growing and needs infrastructure investment to help build the community. 

The $20 million investment will enable design and delivery of improvements to the interchange. 

“We’re getting on with the job of building safer and more efficient roads across regional NSW. 

“This upgrade will cut queues, save time and improve safety at one of the most important intersections on the Mid North Coast. 

“The local community has told us this intersection is a pain and we’re acting with a smart, staged upgrade that will deliver results. So far, we’ve increases capacity on the northbound ramps. 

“We are inviting motorists to have their say on the proposed design, and all feedback will be considered before we take the next steps,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Stage 1 of the proposed upgrade, as outlined in the Review of Environmental Factors, will include: 

• Adding two westbound lanes between the roundabout and Billabong Drive 

• Installing traffic lights on all roundabout legs 

• New line marking to streamline traffic flow 

Construction on the first stage of the upgrade is expected to commence in early 2027, taking up to two years to complete. 

This project forms part of the Oxley Highway Future Growth Project. It was accelerated due to the interchange operating above its designed traffic capacity which resulted in congestion during peak hours. 

The Pacific Highway – Oxley Highway Interchange Upgrade will not only improve safet, but it will also boost the interchange’s capacity to keep traffic moving smoothly. 

In late 2024, the New South Wales Government completed short-term improvements at the interchange to help relieve immediate pressure while long-term solutions were being developed. Improvements included extending the approach lane to the roundabout from the northbound exit ramp. 

Transport for NSW is now inviting the community to have their say on the upgrade. More details on how to provide feedback can be found here. 

“Whether you’re heading to work, doing the school run, or driving through on holidays, everyone in Port Macquarie knows how frustrating this intersection can be. That’s why we’re focused on real, practical upgrades that will make it safer and more efficient. 

“This is about listening to the community and acting. The consultation process is now open, and I strongly encourage everyone to get involved and have their say. 

“Stage one will fix some of the worst choke points and set the foundation for even bigger improvements down the track. We’re serious about getting this right – and that starts with hearing directly from road users,” Labor spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW