Initial design plans for the Central Coast Highway upgrade from Bateau Bay to Wamberal are now out for community comment.
The NSW Government has committed $387M to upgrade the 3.8km stretch of the highway, from Bateau Bay Rd to Tumbi Rd, which is used every day by about 26,500 motorists.
Given the size and complexity of the project, widening the road to two lanes in both directions, and upgrading key intersections along the route, it will be done in stages, starting at the Tumbi Rd intersection.
Key features of the highway upgrade proposed include new traffic lights at the intersections of Tumbi Rd, Crystal St, Forresters Beach Rd, Bellevue Rd, Passage Rd/Coleridge Rd and the existing lights at Bateau Bay Rd will be modified.
Cresthaven Ave roundabout will be upgraded to two through lanes in both directions on the highway.
New intersection traffic control measures will include left in and left out turns at Bakali Rd, Alistair Ave and the north entry to Coleridge Rd.
Dedicated right turn lanes in and out will be at Apollo Resort entry, Mistview Cct and Whalans Rd intersections, as well as a dedicated right turn lane and u-turn at Maas Pde.
Improvements will also be made for cyclists and pedestrians with a two-way, on-road cycleway in both directions between Tumbi Rd and Cresthaven Ave, a 3m-wide shared pathway on the eastern side of the entire 3.8km length of the upgrade, and a 1.5m-wide footpath on the other side of the road, except between Bellevue and Passage Rds.
New bus bays will be established north and south of the Tumbi Rd intersection, on the northern side of the Passage Rd/Coleridge Rd intersection, while existing bus bay approaches on Tumbi Rd and the southern side of Bellevue Rd will be removed.
“We know what a game changer this project will be for locals and visitors and community feedback will be taken into account as the design and planning of the project continues to be developed,” said NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole.
Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said this was the single biggest road investment in the Central Coast’s history.
Source:
Media release, June 4
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole
Reporter: Sue Murray