LABOR COMMITS $26 MILLION TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION FOR FAMILIES IN MARYLAND, FLETCHER AND MINMI

Newcastle Labor Councillors have committed $26 million to alleviate notorious traffic pinch points along Minmi Road between Newcastle Road and Minmi, by duplicating large sections of the arterial western corridor road from one lane of traffic in each direction to two lanes each way.

Under Newcastle Labor's plan, work will commence to widen a notorious traffic bottleneck at Longworth Avenue, Wallsend from one lane of traffic each way to two lanes in each direction during the next term of a re-elected Labor-led Council.

Newcastle Labor Councillors will also expedite the planning of a crucial section of road widening from Maryland Drive, Maryland, through to Fletcher, with construction to be commenced upon completion of Longworth Avenue.

The widening of Minmi Road from Wallsend to Fletcher and Minmi is a crucial piece of city infrastructure aimed at alleviating heavy traffic along the main arterial road in the City's growing Western Corridor.

Large housing estates have been approved in this area by previous councils or the NSW Planning Department, without adequate early investment in infrastructure. As Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes has worked to fix these historic failings and deliver the infrastructure the community needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that Newcastle Labor's plan would deliver a large-scale infrastructure program which would significantly alleviate traffic congestion along Minmi Road.

"Under Newcastle Labor’s continued leadership, we will begin the delivery of one of the most significant capital road works and traffic lane duplication projects in our City's history to alleviate traffic congestion for residents travelling to and from Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi," said the Lord Mayor.

"Local residents have long identified the need to widen Minmi Road and provide two dedicated lanes of traffic to and from our western suburbs to ease the morning and afternoon commute for residents living in Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi, and I am committed to delivering this project that the community has long been calling for," said Cr Nelmes.

"Under Newcastle Labor, City of Newcastle will commence one of the most complex sections of this upgrade, by widening and duplicating traffic lanes at Longworth Avenue between Newcastle Road and the traffic lights near the Wallsend Bunnings, with construction estimated around $15 million".

"Longworth Avenue becomes quite congested during the morning and afternoon commute, and constructing additional traffic lanes will improve safety at intersection pinch points, and reduce commuter waiting times at the Newcastle Road roundabout and traffic lights at the intersection of Cowper Street, Longworth Avenue and the entry point of Minmi Road." 

"If re-elected on 4 December, only Newcastle Labor has a plan and the track record of delivery to bring these works forward for our community in the western suburbs."

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery MP welcomed the Newcastle Labor Councillors’ commitment as a huge win for the local community.

“I commend the Lord Mayor and the Labor Team for their commitment to delivering a solution to alleviate traffic congestion for the residents of Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi.”

“Nuatali and the Labor-led Council have a strong track record of delivery locally, with the Wallsend flood mitigation works underway and the $3.3 million Tyrrell Street Bridge upgrade completed, the upgrades to Wallsend Town Centre, Wallsend Active Hub under costruction and many brand new playgrounds in our local parks."

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with our wonderful Newcastle Labor Councillors to continue to deliver for our local community,” Ms Horney said.