EARLIER REPORT
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Inner City Bypass will include a full interchange at the John Hunter Hospital, the state government has confirmed.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Friday announcedd the $13 million for a second access to the hospital would be added to the $280 million project, which runs between Rankin Park and Jesmond.
Mr Hazzard thanked medical staff for “emphasising” the importance of the full interchange on his last visit.
“The interchange will improve traffic flow across the western suburbs of Newcastle and connect key regional destinations, including Bennetts Green, Charlestown and Jesmond shopping centres,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It will also establish an alternative path of travel to the hospital in case of emergency or critical incident.”
Hunter New England Health chief executive Michael DiRienzo applauded the decision.
“We believe a full interchange is the best solution for John Hunter Hospital,” he said.
“It will make access to this busy hospital campus more efficient for patients, visitors and staff.”
The full interchange also alows for extra access points as far south as the Central Coast. Plans for the next leg of the bypass will be released “in the near future”.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said it was “one of my prouder moments”.
“I am grateful the NSW government has been able to respond to clear messages from the community,” he said.
“I also want to thank NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who took a personal interest in ensuring this key piece of infrastructure was the best possible for the people of the Hunter.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery applauded the addition to the fifth and final stage of the bypass, saying she had campaigned for the change due to waits of up to an hour for drivers entering from Lookout Road.
“Once the Newcastle Inner City Bypass is complete, there will be a smooth traffic corridor between Bennetts Green and Sandgate, alleviating traffic pressures across the city,” she said.
“The John Hunter Hospital is a key hub for the Wallsend electorate but the traffic around there is a nightmare.
“I am glad that the Government has listened to us and is moving ahead with Stage Five of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass along with a full interchange at John Hunter Hospital.”
More to come
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
