State government invests extra $5m to fix Speers Point bottleneck

“I am very pleased to finally see real progress and commitment from the NSW Government to address this key local bottleneck.”

That was the sentiment from Lake Macquarie Independent MP Greg Piper following the announcement an additional $5 million would be allocated from the 2025/26 State Budget towards the Speers Point transport network upgrade.

The investment, now totalling $16 million, will oversee the construction of a range of improvements to reduce congestion and improve safety in the region.

A key focus of the project is the roundabout, which connects Five Islands Road, TC Frith Avenue and The Esplanade at Speers Point, which is a known local logjam, where motorists experience congestion and slow travel times during peak periods.

“I know how frustrating the traffic at Speers Point can be,” Mr Piper said.

“I drive this section of road regularly and the congestion extends beyond the typical weekday peak periods and into the weekends.

“The planned upgrades will add capacity and increase flow through the roundabout to make journeys safer and more reliable for all road-users.

“With the population in our community projected to rise significantly in the coming years, this vital work will benefit the thousands of people who travel through this intersection daily.”

Mr Piper felt without the investment, conditions would worsen, especially with the predicted growth of about 12,000 residents and 6,000 jobs in Northwest Lake Macquarie over the next two decades.

“This essential infrastructure is finally being delivered to our growing community which has been neglected for too long,” he said.

“Delivering a range of upgrades along the corridor will lower congestion, improve safety and reduce travel times at the roundabout, as well as on the surrounding road network.”

A concept design will be put on display and open for community and stakeholder feedback in the coming weeks.

It’s already incorporated responses from residents, following a consultation period in 2024 when 59 submissions were received alongside 531 pins on an interactive map.

“We’re aware the Speers Point roundabout is a pain point for motorists in the Northwest Lake Macquarie region, especially during peak hour,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

“With an additional $5 million allocated in the 2025/26 State budget, we are investing a total of $16 million to upgrade this key intersection and help ease that congestion.”

The government’s latest financial plan will invest $12.1 billion over the next four years for roads and public transport across regional NSW.