The Northern Beaches road will undergo improvements to the safety and traffic flow
After the Albanese Government’s withdrawal of $75 million in funding to improve Wakehurst Parkway, the NSW Government will carry on with the commitment and go ahead with the upgrade.
Minister for Infrastructure, and Member for Pittwater, Rob Stokes has outlined how the funds will be used to improve the efficiency and safety of the corridor, including implementing localised widening and additional turning lanes to reduce crashes along a 9.5-kilometre section of the Parkway from Narrabeen to Frenchs Forest.
“Sections of Wakehurst Parkway are some of the most dangerous black spots on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Stokes said.
“These works will help reduce crashes, improve access to Northern Beaches Hospital, and save commuters time by improving the overall efficiency of the wider road network.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the upgrades would have positive flow-on effects for the adjoining road network and said they will be designed to reduce the environmental impact on the area.
“Wakehurst Parkway is nestled within an incredible bushland setting, so these important safety improvements will be designed and delivered to minimise impacts on the local environment and community, with updates every step of the way.”
The new Federal Member for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps welcomed the funding announcement.
“This is the right decision and will help alleviate some of the major problems with this main arterial road,” Dr Scamps said.
“I would also like to acknowledge the flood mitigation work the Northern Beaches Council will be conducting on the Council land adjacent to the road. The intent of these works is to dramatically reduce the number of annual flooding incidents that close the road.”
This funding is in addition to the $18.1m already provided to the Council by the State Government to improve flood mitigation on Wakehurst Parkway.
Roadworks, including the asphalting of a 2.8km section of the Parkway, are also being undertaken through the Government’s $147m Greater Sydney State Roads Assets Restoration Program.
The work will be carried out between Judith Street and Aquatic Drive from 23 November, 2022.