Maitland City Council Secures Grant for New Shared Path on Raymond Terrace Road, Thornton

Thornton, NSW – Maitland City Council has successfully obtained a $647,000 grant from the NSW Government, bolstered by an additional $155,000 contribution from the Council, to develop a new shared path along Raymond Terrace Road in Thornton. This project, funded through the Get NSW Active Program, will extend from Settlers Boulevard to Hillgate Drive, catering to both pedestrians and cyclists, thereby encouraging active transport and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.

The new pathway is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for approximately 12,500 residents in Thornton, Chisholm, and the surrounding areas. Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold highlighted the importance of this initiative, describing it as a crucial link that will facilitate better access to recreational, commercial, community, and educational facilities within the region. Mayor Penfold emphasized that the project would notably improve local infrastructure, fulfilling a longstanding need for safer and more accessible transport options for both walkers and cyclists.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, expressed her support for the project, noting that the Minns Labor Government is committed to funding initiatives that enhance active transport options in regional communities. She underscored the growing demand for such infrastructure, which not only benefits public health but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on motor vehicles.

The Council is set to commence detailed design work before construction begins, with a target completion date of June 2026. This 370-metre shared path will integrate into Maitland’s extensive network of over 342 kilometers of cycleways and footpaths, further supporting the city’s active transport framework.

In addition to pedestrian and cyclist safety, there are ongoing safety concerns on Raymond Terrace Road. The intersection with Haussman Drive, in particular, has been a site of significant safety risks. Local petitions have highlighted the need for improvements due to the increasing traffic from residential developments in Chisholm and Thornton North. The community has raised concerns over the accuracy of current crash statistics, advocating for better infrastructure to prevent accidents and improve safety​.

This development is part of a broader effort to upgrade the Thornton Road Network, which includes significant improvements at key intersections along Raymond Terrace Road. These upgrades aim to enhance traffic flow and safety, addressing the needs of the rapidly growing communities in Thornton and Chisholm​.

For more information and updates on the project, residents are encouraged to visit the Maitland City Council project’s website at mait.city/3VIs6Sh.