2 December 2020

The community is being invited to have its say on initial plans to widen the Pacific Highway (Maitland Road) at Hexham from four to six lanes, between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the New England Highway.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the proposed Hexham Straight project would improve traffic flow, deliver more reliable travel times for freight, and increase safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

"This widening project is being designed to improve travel times and safety for the 50,000 drivers who use the road every day," Mr Constance said.

"The project would facilitate economic growth to and from key employment areas in the Hunter region, such as the Port of Newcastle and Greater Newcastle, by improving the connection between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway."

The plan includes upgrading six kilometres of the existing highway from two to three lanes in each direction and a new bridge crossing at Ironbark Creek.

Transport for NSW is inviting comments on the proposed plans until Friday 5 February, with all feedback being considered as the project progresses.

"As this is the first look at the design for the Hexham Straight project, we want feedback from the community and stakeholders to help us ensure it best meets the needs of all road users," Mr Constance said.

"This is going to be a challenging project but the NSW and Australian governments are committed to widening this stretch of road to create a safer and more reliable journey for the tens of thousands of people who use it each day."

To have your say, visit the Pacific Highway improvements at Hexham (Hexham Straight) project page.