A Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said community feedback has been taken into consideration and work on the upgrade will soon start.

“The NSW Government is funding a $50 million package of work to improve safety and travel times for motorists along the 514 kilometre highway.

“Key features of the Spencers Cutting upgrade include relocating the Rawdon Island Road intersection and creating an eastbound overtaking lane.

“Work will also include realigning the highway, widening shoulders and upgrading 2.3 kilometres of road to improve safety.”

The spokesperson said 23 submissions were received on the review of environmental factors which went on display between September 15 and October 13.

“Comments were received in relation to access, biodiversity, visual amenity, noise, access to state forest and crown land as well as impending changes to legislation.

“Roads and Maritime reviewed all the feedback received and has made no changes to the proposal or review of environmental factors.

“It was decided the management and mitigation measures outlined in the review of environmental factors addresses the feedback raised by the community members.”

Work on the $25 million upgrade is expected to start next year, weather permitting, and the community will be kept informed as the project progresses.

“Work doesn’t stop there, with plans continuing to improve the alignment of the Oxley Highway near Rosewood Road, about six kilometres west of Wauchope.

“The need to improve this section of road was identified in the March 2016 draft Oxley Highway Corridor Strategy, as it has a poor crash history.”