Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole announced the funding for design works today (May 19) acknowledging residents' ongoing concerns about the intersection.

"Previous safety upgrades at the Oxley Highway and King Creek Road intersection include installing a right-turn bay and left-turn lane into King Creek Road, improving sight lines to the east of the intersection, and reducing the speed limit," Mr Toole said.

"After meeting with King Creek residents last month, we know even more needs to be done to improve safety at this intersection."

A petition to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, presented at the April meeting, included 1000 signatories and follows a petition with 630 signatures recently tabled in parliament by Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams.

Read more:

Transport for NSW undertook a speed zone review of the Oxley Highway at this location in 2019 and the speed limit was subsequently reduced from 100kmh to 80kmh.

Between October 2015 and September 2020 there were five reported crashes at this location.

More than 14,000 vehicles a day pass this intersection with significant congestion at peak times of the day.

Mrs Williams said options being considered by Transport for NSW are designed to deliver short-term improvements and will get shovels in the ground sooner to improve safety at this intersection.

The Port News contacted the Minister's office for specifics about the designs. A spokesperson said they are yet to be revealed.

The Minister's office indicated it would be considering feedback from residents as a part of its Oxley Highway intersections review.

A meeting with residents will be held at Wauchope on Thursday night.

Mrs Williams said the designs will ensure no major utilities are impacted and will avoid the acquisition of property.

"This funding allows planning to start on a detailed design and we will continue to keep the community informed as the design progresses and a start date is known," Mrs Williams said.

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said residents have long been expressing their concerns about congestion and crashes at the King Creek Road intersection.

"Ensuring all road users complete their journeys safely is our top priority and we are pleased to announce today that work has already begun to design the safety improvements the community has asked for," Mrs Pavey said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: