IT has been two decades in the making, but finally Nelson Bay is to get a major thoroughfare that is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide a link between the CBD and foreshore.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au[/caption]
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

The $1.5 million Yacaaba Street roadway extension from Magnus Street to Victoria Parade is being hailed by the town’s business sector as a massive boost to tourism and traffic management.

Peter Clough, a member of Nelson Bay NOW and the Tomaree Business Chamber, said that the new road accompanied by paving, landscaping and lighting would be a major attraction and a key gateway entry to the CBD.

Mr Clough praised the foresight of Port Stephens Council, prominent traffic engineer Rob Caldwell and local real estate agent Bill Joncevski for their role in securing this valuable asset.

“Approximately 20 years ago council planners, Rob [Caldwell] and Bill [Joncevski] first got together to look at a future road extension for Yacaaba Street,” Mr Clough said.

“Rob designed the road and Bill encouraged the Council to purchase the land.

“More recently, members from Nelson Bay NOW and the chamber have lobbied council to invest in the town centre.

“This road extension will facilitate better traffic management in that bottleneck area at the intersection of Yacaaba and Magnus streets, while providing easier access to the foreshore area.”

John Maretich, council’s asset manager, said that starting in mid-September three Council-owned shops in Magnus Street would be demolished to make way for the road extension.

“Yacaaba Street will be a 10km shared zone with one way traffic from Magnus to Victoria Parade, and there will be open air community space to allow for place activation such as markets or other small events,” Mr Maretich said.

“Council will have measures in place to reduce the impacts of noise and dust from the works but there will be some temporary changes to footpaths to ensure public safety.”

He expected some works would be carried out across the Christmas period, but said that there would be little impact on the existing road network.

Ryan Palmer, president of the chamber, said that the connection would open up the CBD and benefit businesses, tourists and locals alike.

By Charlie ELIAS