The thousands of Novocastrians who travel daily through Adamstown Heights and Highfields along City Road, Pacific Highway, Northcott Drive and Kahibah Road will welcome improvements to alleviate congestion at each of these intersections.
The NSW Government has identified these areas as pinch points, where motorists can expect delays during peak times, and work is now underway to improve traffic flow.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said: “The NSW Government is funding $13.5M through the Hunter Pinch Points Program to ensure thousands of road users enjoy safer journeys on this vital link between Newcastle and Belmont.
“This project will create between 20 and 30 local jobs during construction.”
Key features of the upgrade include extending turning lanes from City Road into Northcott Drive and Kahibah Road, building a new eastbound left-hand turning lane into Northcott Drive, building a new westbound left-hand turning lane into Kahibah Road and additional shared (left/right) turn lanes out of Kahibah Road.
The proposal also includes widening City Road and Kahibah Road within the proposal area and providing pedestrian crossing facilities across Northcott Drive and City Road, and integrating a footpath and safety barrier on City Road.
Robson Civil Projects has been appointed to complete the works, which began last month.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the intersection upgrades were a win for local motorists and pedestrians travelling through the busy area.
Highfields resident George O’Neill agrees.
“It will be much nicer for traffic to flow quicker and keep congestion to a minimum,” he said.
Some residents living within the work zone share concerns for local vegetation and the environment.
A submissions report, which was compiled in May 2019 by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), found the removal of vegetation associated with the proposal was minimal, given the extensive vegetation clearing that had already taken place within the proposal area.
The report concluded that the proposal would not impact the habitat or viability of any species.
City of Newcastle has requested compensatory tree planting for the loss of any mature trees along City Road within the Newcastle LGA.
The report said RMS would continue to consult with council regarding a suitable area for compensatory planting across the project’s duration.
In February 2021, the NSW Government provided an update on the scheduled works along with the final plan.
Work on the project is carried out Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays between 8 am and 1 pm.
The bus stop on City Road near Kahibah Road and the school bus stop on Highfields Parade have been relocated while the work takes place.
Robson Civil Projects has posted notices at the stops with more detail about the changes.
Temporary traffic changes include a 40km/h speed limit in work areas.
The slipway between City Road and Highfields Parade is also closed while work is in progress.
The project started on Monday, August 9 and is expected to be complete by late 2022, weather permitting.
If you would like to provide feedback, or have any questions about the project, contact Robson Civil Projects on 1800 818 033 or email kahibah@robsoncivil.com.au.
For more information visit the NSW Government website.
Jayden Fennell