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FRE
June 4, 2013
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Issue 59
Prime Minister in Kariong to reaffirm F3 upgrade rime Minister Julia Gillard joined Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Robertson Ms Deb O’Neill in Kariong on Friday, May 24, to reaffirm Federal Labor’s $600 million plan to ease congestion and cut travel times along the F3.
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The corridor is used by some 75,000 cars and 7,000 trucks a day, with freight volumes predicted to nearly double within the next two decades. The centrepiece of Federal Labor’s plan is $405 million to bring forward the construction of the “missing link” between the F3 and M2. As well as delivering smoother, quicker driving conditions, this new 7.7km dual two lane road tunnel beneath Pennant Hills Rd would also greatly reduce traffic congestion through Sydney’s northern suburbs. The project will be
delivered in partnership with the NSW Government, which will provide the same amount of upfront funding. The balance of the required funding will come from the private sector, with the project expected to go to market within months. In addition to making the F3 to M2 Link a reality, Federal Labor’s plan also funds targeted improvements to tackle congestion and improve safety along the existing F3, including widening the section between Tuggerah and Doyalson, widening the section between Kariong and Somersby, upgrading
the Kariong Interchange and upgrading the Weakleys Dr intersection. The staged delivery of these projects could begin as soon as next year and will be jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments, with each contributing $195.8 million. The extensive upgrade of the road corridor between Sydney and Central Coast is part of the much larger Federally-funded capital works program currently being rolled out across the State. Media Release, 30 May 2013 Office of Julia Gillard PM
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill and Department of Infrastructure and Transport representative Ms Lyn O’Connell
$13 million upgrade officially opened T
he $13 million upgrade to the Central Coast Highway and Wisemans Ferry Rd intersection was fully opened to traffic on Friday, May 24, two months ahead of schedule and on budget.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Mr Chris Hartcher said the intersection upgrade funded by the NSW Government would benefit motorists by improving safety, reducing delays and lessening congestion. “This key intersection provides a major road link
between suburbs of the Central Coast and the F3 to Newcastle and Sydney,” Mr Hartcher said. “Importantly the upgraded intersection improves safety for motorists and cyclists by separating traffic movements and minimising merges. “The upgrade has
extended the existing right turn lane and provided a second right turn lane from the Central Coast Highway into Wisemans Ferry Rd. “And in another benefit to road users, the intersection has opened two months ahead of schedule.” Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein said work on
the intersection upgrade commenced in June last year and was carried out by Roads and Maritime Services. “Minor finishing work including improved street lighting, building shared paths, final line marking and median upgrades is expected to be completed in late July,” Mr Holstein said. “Traffic control and reduced speed limits will
be in place where needed to ensure the safety of workers, motorists and other road users.” Further features of the upgrade included an additional left turn lane from Wisemans Ferry Rd into the Central Coast Highway controlled by traffic lights, a continuous lane on Wisemans Ferry Rd for southbound vehicles exiting F3, removing the need to merge, a right turn
bay from Wisemans Ferry Rd onto the northbound on ramp of the F3 to separate traffic and an off road cycle path. “I thank motorists and nearby residents for their ongoing patience throughout the upgrade and while this essential finishing work is carried out,” Mr Holstein said. Media Release, 24 May 2013 Caroline Hutcherson, Office of Chris Hartcher MP