Upgrades to ease congestion at Port Macquarie interchange

Improvement works being carried out over coming months are set to help reduce congestion at the Oxley Highway interchange.

The work will increase the capacity of the northbound off-ramp from the Pacific Highway from one to two lanes, extending from the existing 60km/h sign to the roundabout.

Improvements will also be made to the existing alignment and, when completed, this work will reduce the queue length from the roundabout towards and sometimes onto the Pacific Highway.

A larger upgrade to this intersection is being planned, with timing for construction subject to project approval, including environmental assessment and community consultation.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison commented: “Increasing the capacity of the northbound off-ramp from the Pacific Highway will bring immediate relief for motorists, while the more substantial $20 million upgrade continues to be developed for what most people call ‘the donut’.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy added: “The larger project being developed will consider forecast traffic movements based on population growth, local development, and increased tourist activity.

“It will also complement a proposed highway service centre to maximise opportunities to improve the network and minimise disruption to motorists.

“The larger upgrade work would help ease congestion, increase capacity, and improve safety to keep traffic flowing smoothly at the interchange.”

The project is part of a $44.5 billion investment in the NSW Budget over the next four years for regional transport and roads including.