Member for Oxley, Andrew Stoner.
THE Acting Premier and Member for Oxley, Andrew Stoner, has announced a concept design is being prepared for an overtaking lane between Wauchope and the Pacific Highway.
Mr Stoner made the announcement at the site of the proposed overtaking lane.
"The development work includes preparing a design, geotechnical report, environmental investigations and cost estimates," Mr Stoner said.
"Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has identified a suitable overtaking lane location near the Stoney Creek booster station area.
"The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government made a commitment of $3.5 million to improve traffic flow on this nine kilometre section of the highway and the concept designs mean the upgrade is one step closer.
"A number of factors have been considered in the design preparations including travel patterns and times, traffic mix and speed, crash history, environmental constraints and community input.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said the proposed overtaking lane would be around one kilometre long and widened to allow for an extra lane and improved road shoulders.
"The community and regular road users had an opportunity last year to have their say on which parts of the road are most in need of improvement and feedback has been considered in the concept design preparation.
"It is expected building will start in the first half of 2013," Mrs Williams said.
About 9500 vehicles use the road daily between the Pacific Highway and Wauchope.