31 MAY 2016

Roads and Maritime Services is reminding the community to have a say on the refined strategic design for the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass by Thursday 9 June.

A Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the fifth section of the $280 million Newcastle Inner City Bypass, between Rankin Park and Jesmond, is being funded by the NSW Government including $150 million from Restart NSW, which received the proceeds from leasing NSW ports.

“Comments opened mid last month and more than 150 people have already provided feedback on the refined strategic design which aims to improve traffic flow through the interchanges and minimises potential environmental and community impacts,” the spokesperson said.

“Community members are encouraged to have say on the design refinements which include moving the bypass to the east to minimise impacts on the environment and nearby residential areas, replacing the roundabout on Newcastle Road at Jesmond with traffic lights and increasing the traffic capacity at the northern and southern interchanges.

“The design at the southern interchange now includes a bridge to carry northbound traffic on Lookout Road over the bypass and new traffic lights to connect bypass traffic with Lookout Road.”

The Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the design includes a half interchange which would provide access to and from the north and western side of the John Hunter Hospital. A bridge across the bypass would separate traffic accessing the hospital and provide pedestrian access.

“Further consultation with NSW Health Infrastructure is being carried out to finalise the configuration of the interchange near the hospital,” the spokesperson said.

“A second right turn lane out of McCaffrey Drive and longer left turn lane out of McCaffrey Drive are also proposed improvements in the refined strategic design.

“Stakeholders and the community are reminded feedback can be provided until 5pm on Thursday 9 June and will be considered in preparing the concept design and environmental assessment, which are expected to be displayed for comment later this year.”

For further information about the project or to provide your feedback visit the Roads and Maritime Services’ project page rms.nsw.gov.au/rp2j, email rp2j.community@aurecongroup.com or call the project information line on 1800 818 433. Comments can also be mailed to Matthew Mate, Project Development Manager, Roads and Maritime Services, Locked Bag 2030 Newcastle NSW 2300.

More information about the options, investigations and studies carried out is available in the Refined Strategic Design Report which can be viewed on the project webpage at rms.nsw.gov.au/rp2j

Media: ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES MEDIA UNIT 8588 5999 or media@rms.nsw.gov.au