The Bucketts Way Route Access Strategy project has been shortlisted by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to submit a detailed application for funding Stage 1 of the Strategy.

Great Lakes, Gloucester and Port Stephens Councils submitted an Expression of Interest prior to Christmas to the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program Round Two fund.

The three Councils will meet with TfNSW on Friday 1 April to confirm the way forward.

The first priorities, as identified by the three councils are three passing lanes to be located in the Limeburners Creek area, near Weismantels Road and Craven Flat.

Council’s General Manager Glenn Handford says with the project being shortlisted, there is real opportunity for the Bucketts Way to receive significant funding.

“This is good news for the three Councils – by working together across council boundaries we are able to provide a more strategic approach to upgrading the Bucketts Way. The key to us getting this far in the funding program was the three councils working together and collectively prioritising road projects across council boundaries.”

Stage 1 of the strategy has identified three passing lanes, with upgrades to various sections of the road across the council areas.

“We have identified in the later stages of the strategy the need for upgrading bridges and also safety upgrades,” said Mr Handford.

Generous support has been provided to The Bucketts Way Route Access Strategy at both State and Federal Levels by Michael Johnsen, MP Member for Upper Hunter and David Gillespie MP Member for Lyne.

“General community and business support for The Bucketts Way upgrade has also been extremely strong,” said Mr Handford.

“We are keen to seek State and Federal government contributions to the upgrades and to this end we will continue to seek support from our local members of parliament.”