A concept plan for a commuter carpark, roundabout and associated turning lanes near the Hunter Expressway’s Heddon Greta has been costed at $4.2 million.
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Cessnock City Council will write to the relevant NSW Government representatives to seek funding for the construct of the project, which aims to improve commuters’ safety and residents’ amenity.
Main Road, Heddon Greta has become the primary feeder road from the Hunter Expressway to the New England Highway, with a 45 percent increase in traffic volume since the expressway opened in 2014.
Kurri Kurri District Business Chamber president Kerry Hallett said it was time to look at the infrastructure around the expressway, for community safety and better links between Maitland, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock.
“Kurri Kurri is getting busier, we need to improve access and connectivity,” she said.
Ward D councillor Darrin Gray said the traffic issues on Main Road have been compounded by numerous developments at Heddon Greta and Cliftleigh that were approved prior to the Hunter Expressway being built.
“The accumulated issues between here and Testers Hollow are a nightmare for everyone who lives here,” Cr Gray said.
“It’s a dire situation.”
Traffic, safety, vehicle break-ins, vandalism, burnt-out cars, noise and rubbish are among the concerns of the residents living near the carpooling area.
Cr Gray said the carpark, roundabout and turning lanes will help alleviate a lot of these issues – and now it’s time for the State Government to “take responsibility” and fund the project’s construction.
He would also like to see the roads and transport ministers meet with a delegation of local residents to hear their concerns.
“What we need is action on the ground,” he said.
Cr Gray has created a petition asking for the State Government to commit to constructing a formal carpark at the Heddon Greta interchange.
Download, print and sign the petition below.
The council will also continue to lobby for state funding to address road issues associated with the Hunter Expressway.
Formalised carpool sites at Buchanan and Branxton have been costed at $450,000 and $500,000 respectively.
Cr Gray said traffic issues along Hart Road, Gingers Lane and Frame Drive at Abermain, also need urgent attention.
