Laurence Antcliff Backs $100 Million Maitland Overpass to Fix Traffic Bottleneck

Liberal candidate for Paterson, Laurence Antcliff, has thrown his full support behind a $100 million investment in a westbound overpass at the Maitland Roundabout if elected, vowing to end years of traffic gridlock in the region.

“This is a massive win for Maitland—$100 million towards fixing one of the worst choke points in the Hunter,” Mr Antcliff said. “Every single morning and afternoon, thousands of locals hit the brakes, crawling through congestion that should have been fixed years ago.”

The commitment, announced by the Coalition, would see a future Dutton-Littleproud Government work with the New South Wales Government to construct the long-awaited westbound flyover near Maitland Station. The project aims to improve traffic flow on the New England Highway while boosting safety and efficiency for all road users.

Mr Antcliff highlighted that Maitland residents had been waiting over a decade for this solution. “The initial eastbound flyover was built back in 2014, and since then, the community has been left waiting for this westbound section,” he said.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, said the funding would be prioritised under a Coalition Government, arguing that Labor had failed to deliver key infrastructure projects.

“An elected Coalition Government will get on with delivering the infrastructure that communities need, in stark contrast to the inaction of the past three years under Labor,” she said.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie, also backed the project, emphasising its broader economic benefits.

“This isn’t just about fixing a traffic bottleneck—it’s about enabling further housing development in western Maitland, which is desperately needed,” she said.

Nationals candidate for Hunter, Sue Gilroy, added that the region had been overlooked for too long when it came to major infrastructure investments.

“Hunter residents deserve better. This project will mean safer, faster travel to and from work, and only a Coalition Government will deliver the infrastructure that our growing communities desperately need,” she said.

With traffic congestion a key issue for Maitland residents, Mr Antcliff is making infrastructure a major focus of his campaign, positioning himself as an advocate for real investment in the Hunter.

Independent candidate for Paterson, Philip Penfold, responded on social media, saying, “GREAT NEWS! The benefits of a true three-cornered electoral contest continue to pay off! Further to my call last month—a $100M commitment to a westbound flyover at Maitland Railway Station has been made. And the great news is that it’s not reliant on the Paterson MP being in a Coalition Government—just that they form the government. Vote Independent and keep their focus on OUR needs.”

Mr Penfold clarified that the project will go ahead if the Coalition wins government, regardless of who holds the seat of Paterson. However, he urged voters to support an independent candidate (himself) to ensure local issues remain a priority in Canberra. His message suggests that a non-major party representative could hold the Coalition accountable to delivering for the region, keeping the focus on local needs rather than party politics.