IT’S been a long time coming but there is now funding for the duplication of Nelson Bay Road and works on Hexham Straight.

Heavy traffic on both roads both create delays during peak hour.

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The NSW Government will deliver a record investment into regional roads and transport in 2022-23, with the commitment totalling $10.6 billion.

Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said, “More than ever before, this year’s Budget is about investing in projects that better connect regional communities for generations to come”.

“Regional NSW has been challenged by natural disasters and the pandemic, so I know that our transport planning and delivery needs to be agile and adaptable to better respond to changes in commuter needs and travel patterns.

“We are focused on building back better so our communities can build their way forward.

“This commitment is highlighted by our $156.3 million commitment, matched by the Commonwealth Government, to strengthen long-term resilience and connections for regional communities with a priority on supporting those on the NSW North Coast,” he said.

This year’s NSW State Budget will deliver a record $39.8 billion in funding for transport infrastructure and service delivery in 2022-23.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, critical construction and maintenance work across the NSW roads and transport networks, including projects in regional and rural areas, ensured more than 130,000 people directly or indirectly were kept in a job.

Included in the funding is $510 million for regional bus services, including dedicated school services, however at this stage there is no indication if this will stop transport issues faced by students in Medowie.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington has long been advocating for the Nelson Bay Road duplication and a public high school at Medowie to ensure students don’t miss school because of bus-service outages.

When it comes to roads within the package there are two of note for those living in Port Stephens and the Myall Coast.

There has been $117.9 million allocated to continue planning the jointly-funded M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace and to begin early works to widen Hexham Straight and $13.9 million to upgrade Nelson Bay Road, duplicating it from Williamtown to Bobs Farm.

By Marian SAMPSON