Wrights Road roundabout traffic congestion is likely to continue, at least for the foreseeable future.
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Road users are experiencing bumper to bumper traffic at peak times, specifically in the 90 minute windows at 8am and 3pm.
A $7 million upgrade was completed in 2016 and was meant to alleviate traffic conditions. It appears to have failed.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is in possession of a detailed area wide traffic study but it is still some months from public consumption. That comprehensive plan will be presented to councillors in the near future, but in a user-friendly format. A briefing will also be provided to Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams.
A spokesperson for minister for roads Melinda Pavey said the Wrights Road roundabout formed part of an Oxley Highway upgrade into Port Macquarie and included traffic lights on the eastbound leg of the roundabout and slip lanes in and out of Wrights Road.
"The upgrade has helped to ease some of the congestion at this busy intersection, in particular for the Wrights Road traffic to and from the hospital," the spokesperson said.
"It was recognised during development that this was not a long term solution to solve the traffic congestion issues.
"Roads and Maritime Services is working in partnership with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on an area wide traffic study. This study and other information will be used to develop a holistic transport and land use plan to inform future planning decisions and prioritise investment."
The operation of the whole road network is being investigated including the current work being carried out on Lake Road and possible orbital road connections, the spokesperson said.
Council director Alex Fisher acknowledged that addressing the needs of the growing region was 'a difficult challenge'.
“Council are currently delivering numerous road improvement projects and planning to ensure we are addressing road congestion, making it easier for our community to get around," Ms Fisher said.
Obviously, addressing the needs of our growing region in a way that preserves the things we love, is cost effective and delivers value for our community is a difficult challenge.
- Council director Alex Fisher
"We know our region is experiencing high levels of growth and increases in traffic volumes, and it is important that we work together with the community and all levels of government to address these challenges.
"An area wide traffic study is currently being completed and investigations into a Port Macquarie orbital road are underway.
"Obviously, addressing the needs of our growing region in a way that preserves the things we love, is cost effective and delivers value for our community is a difficult challenge.
"This is a challenge that we take seriously and are actively working on – it is something that we cannot address alone, and moving forward with this planning we will be engaging with the community, business and industry.”
Ms Fisher said council is currently working on several projects including planning to improve Ocean Drive, upgrades to Hastings River Drive, works to ease congestion on Lake Road and designs to upgrade Boundary Street in the airport precinct.
Mrs Wiliams said she has held several discussions with Mrs Pavey on the issue.
"In October last year I hosted a delegation from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council including Mayor Peta Pinson and general manager Craig Swift-McNair to meet with nine ministers in parliament, one of which was Minister Pavey," Mrs Wiliams said.
"We discussed traffic congestion at the Wrights Road roundabout as well as on Ocean Drive.
"The benefit of the new area wide traffic study and other supporting information means future changes are being considered holistically.
"Walking, cycling and public transport options are also important considerations for the future of Port Macquarie," Mrs Williams said.
