Thursday, 23 July 2015

Minister for Roads Duncan Gay today joined local MPs Mike Baird (Manly), Brad Hazzard (Wakehurst), Jonathan O’Dea (Davidson) and Rob Stokes (Pittwater) to invite the community to have their say on the next stage of road upgrades surrounding the future Northern Beaches Hospital.

“This is another important step for the hospital’s surrounding road upgrades and signifies that we are getting closer to delivering benefits such as improved safety and reduced travel times to motorists,” Minister Gay said.

“Getting the opinion of the local community is an imperative step in the process and I encourage anyone with feedback to get involved.”

Health Minister Jillian Skinner said the planned major road upgrades surrounding the future Northern Beaches Hospital site is being delivered in two stages and today’s released document refers directly to the second stage.

“But it won’t just be the hospital’s patients and visitors that will benefit – locals travelling on this busy road are going to realise the significant improvements and benefits also.”

“Stage two work plans to increase road capacity on the supporting road network for the hospital,” Mr Baird said.

“Stage one of the upgrades will provide direct access to the new hospital and received planning approval on 29 June with work expected to start in October.”

Mr Hazzard said the report released today plans to include the widening of Warringah Road, with a new underpass for east-west traffic under the intersections of Warringah Road with Forest Way, Hilmer Street and Wakehurst Parkway.

“Other planned improvements include widening Wakehurst Parkway from the intersection of Warringah Road to south of Aquatic Drive and new shared path bridges across Warringah Road at Hilmer Street and west of the intersection of Forest Way.”

“Shared paths are also expected to be installed on sections of Warringah Road, Wakehurst Parkway, Forest Way, Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Environmental Impact Statement will be on display until Friday 21 August and will be made available to view online at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au or in hard copy at several locations including Warringah Council Offices, Dee Why, Belrose, Forrestville and Warringah Mall libraries and Level 9, 101 Miller Street, North Sydney.”

A copy of the full Environmental Impact Statement on CD is available by contacting 1300 367 459, mailto:nbhroadworks@rms.nsw.gov.au or the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website. Mr O’Dea said the community is invited to information sessions on Saturday 25 July from noon to 2pm at Forestville Memorial Hall, Tuesday 28 July from 5pm to 7pm at Galstaun Function Centre and Saturday 1 August from noon to 2pm at Forestville Memorial Hall.

“The NSW Government will continue working closely with residents, businesses and other stakeholders to progress plans and reduce the impact of building work.”

For more information on the Northern Beaches Hospital road upgrades call 1300 367 459 or visit the project page at http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-north/northern-beaches-hospital/index.html

MEDIA: Vanessa Juresic | Gay | 0419 618 081, Mark Tobin | Premier Baird | 0417 497 368, Liz Hannan | Skinner| 0427 232 671, Chi Tranter | Hazzard | 0439 634 032, Andrew Johnston | Stokes| 9999 3599 Jonathan O’Dea | 0418 241 500

View the original media release