OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT

OAKESHOTT WELCOMES OXLEY HIGHWAY UPGRADE WORKS, AND URGES THE RTA TO MINIMISE TRAFFIC DELAYS

Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today welcomed the start of major construction works as part of Stage One of the Oxley Highway upgrade, and urged the RTA to minimise the traffic delays caused by these substantial works.

"Obviously, the works between Wrights Road and Lake Road will cause disruption for the next twelve months and this is not good for anyone. However, I would hope people recognise the greater good of a straighter, safer Oxley Highway that connects the Wrights Road roundabout to the Donut in a "as the crow flies" route, rather than a windy goat-track that we currently have, said Mr Oakeshott.

"The East-West movements on the Oxley Highway are almost as many as the Pacific Highway on a daily basis, so the upgrade is a long-time coming and desperately needed. Over time, it will be a feature piece of Port Macquarie as a gateway entrance that we can all be proud of, said Mr Oakeshott.

"In a perverse way, the traffic inconvenience of the next twelve months should put the doomsdayers arguments to bed. I have heard plenty of cynics suggesting the works would never happen and use this as an argument to challenge the concept of whether an Independent MP can actually deliver. Well, the roadworks are happening, so much so that we are seeing road closures for the next twelve months as a consequence! Mr Oakeshott said.

"I certainly urge the RTA to work day and night to complete the task required ahead of schedule if possible, and look forward to Stage One of the corridor being funded and completed soon. As well, I take the opportunity to once again push the RTA to complete the remaining acquisitions for Stage Two works as quickly as possible." Mr Oakeshott said today.

10 April 2008