That's the opinion of residents living in the immediate area.

Preliminary works to relocate underground services are currently underway and works on the road should begin in September.

The project should be completed by the end of 2020.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says the works will see the reconstruction and widening of the road to nine metres, including kerb and guttering and a 470 metre new pathway linking to the playground.

But The Ruins Way residents Bert and Betty Brown say their main concern is seeing a reduction in speeding traffic.

"We have contacted council about the speed issue along this road," the couple said.

"We've been here six years and there is a minority of people who use this (road) as a race track.

"The road works certainly needed to be done. You often see kids walking on the road just to get to the park.

"There's a park just up the road but no footpath - which was also a concern.

"Other than that, what they are doing is a good thing."

Mr Brown said council should consider traffic calming measures including speed humps to address the speeding car problem.

"Once this work is completed, will it really slow down the traffic?" he said.

Cottage Way's Garry and Angela Lonergan say a footpath upgrade and road widening should relieve some of their concerns.

"It is certainly needed and long overdue," Mr Lonergan said.

"We regularly walk our dogs along here but there is no footpath.

"There was an accident up the road where a low loader carting a bulldozer toppled over. I think the traffic needs to slow down a bit."

The couple have lived on Cottage Way for a decade with The Ruins Way "a dirt road when we arrived".

Mrs Lonergan said she was concerned about being land-locked if there is a crash or road blockages to John Oxley Drive.

"Some residential sub-divisions only have one road in and out," she said.

"What happens in these places when bushfires impact our area. Residents would get pretty anxious.

"There needs to be at least two roads in and out for every sub-division.

"And why aren't footpaths, green areas, parks and playgrounds all constructed when a new sub-division is being created.

"I think all these things should be completed at the one time."

The couple also raised their concerns about the loss of koala habitat in the area and keeping proposed developments in line with existing housing density.

Improvements to The Ruins Way between Major Innes Road and Sitella Street will also feature new asphalt surface to improve safety and reduce noise and improving lighting for both motorists and pedestrians.

The $1.75m funding includes $1.02m from the federal government's roads to recovery program and $750,000 from council.

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