New $26 Million Intersection Opens to Ease Congestion in Thornton

newy.com.au – A major infrastructure upgrade has been completed in Thornton, with the opening of a new $26 million four-way intersection at Raymond Terrace Road and Government Road. The project, jointly funded by Maitland City Council and the NSW Government, aims to ease congestion in one of Maitland’s fastest-growing areas.

The upgrade includes new traffic lights, widened roads with two lanes in each direction, and dedicated right-turn lanes to improve traffic flow and safety. Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “We’re proud to deliver this critical piece of infrastructure for the people of Thornton. This upgrade will help ease congestion for residents, visitors, and commuters, which is great news for our community.”

Maitland MP and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, welcomed the improvements, saying that she had long advocated for road upgrades in the rapidly growing Thornton and Chisholm communities. “This area has been the fastest growing outside the Sydney basin for over 20 years. I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in critical infrastructure, including this project, the M1 to Raymond Terrace upgrade, and the duplication of Thornton Rail Bridge,” she said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the NSW Government’s $9.5 million contribution through the Housing Acceleration Fund, which supports infrastructure projects linked to new housing developments. “Raymond Terrace Road is one of the busiest roads in the Maitland LGA, and this upgrade will improve safety and convenience for thousands of daily commuters,” he said.

Maitland City Council acknowledged that the project faced delays due to wet weather and supply chain disruptions but thanked the community for its patience. The intersection upgrade forms part of a broader strategy to enhance the Thornton Road Network, supporting growth in Thornton, Chisholm, and surrounding areas.

For further details, visit mait.city/ThorntonNorthIntersection.