Community feedback refines $16m Speers Point transport upgrade

newy.com.au – A long-awaited upgrade of the Speers Point transport network has moved into its next phase with the NSW Government releasing a community consultation report and refined plans on Thursday 20 November 2025.

The announcement follows years of advocacy for improvements to the busy route, which is seen as a key bottleneck in Lake Macquarie’s transport network. Transport for NSW reported almost 500 submissions during consultation earlier this year, with feedback overwhelmingly backing the need for upgrades and prompting changes to the original concept design.

The newly released consultation report summarises the main issues raised by residents, businesses and other stakeholders, and outlines several design refinements intended to ease congestion and improve safety for all road users.

One of the main changes involves additional signage on T C Frith Avenue. New signs will be installed for southbound motorists advising them to turn right at Fourth Street to reach businesses on Seventh Street, a move aimed at improving access while reducing confusion and unnecessary movements through the area.

Walking and cycling connections will also be adjusted, with the alignment of the shared path to run south along the western verge of T C Frith Avenue from Seventh Street before linking into the existing shared pathway on Creek Reserve Road. Planners say this change is designed to create a safer and more direct route for pedestrians and cyclists.

The consultation report describes the latest milestone as “a step forward to improve safety, traffic flow and reduce travel time at one of Lake Macquarie’s most notorious bottlenecks”.

It also notes that “forecast population and employment growth in Northwest Lake Macquarie over the next 20 years means these upgrades are vital for the region’s future”. The document states that the revised Speers Point transport improvements “considered feedback received during the consultation period and addresses concerns raised by the community to relieve congestion for commuters and improve safety for pedestrians”.

Earlier this year the NSW Government allocated an additional $5 million to the project, bringing its total commitment to $16 million. The upgrade is intended to strengthen a key link for people travelling between Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said community involvement would directly shape the final plans. “I want to thank all community members and stakeholders who provided feedback,” she said.

“The feedback received from the community will be used to feed into the environmental assessment and detailed design – which in turn will ensure the best possible outcome for road users on this critical link,” Ms Aitchison said. She added that “the NSW Government is committed to delivering a strong and reliable road network for those living and working in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and surrounds”.

The next stage of the project will focus on preparing the detailed design and environmental assessment. Transport for NSW said staff and contractors may be on site over coming months to carry out further investigations to inform this work.

Authorities say they will continue to liaise with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders as the project progresses. Community members can stay informed and track updates via the Speers Point transport network project webpage on the Transport for NSW website.