State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has warned motorists that traffic gridlock will remain around the John Hunter Hospital and Wallsend for a number years to come.
Ms Hornery met with officials from the Roads and Maritime Service yesterday to discuss a number of issues across the Wallsend electorate, including the Newcastle Inner City Bypass Stage 5.
Officials yesterday ruled out the construction of a complete interchange at the John Hunter Hospital and confirmed that construction is not likely to commence for another three to four years.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“It is obvious following the meeting with the RMS yesterday that there is going to be a lot of pain for motorists for years to come.”
“Construction of Stage 5 is at least three years away and there are no plans to ease congestion in the short term.”
“Despite the Government wanting to future proof the Bypass, the RMS have ruled out building a complete interchange at the John Hunter Hospital.”
“What is concerning to me is that the RMS don’t think that the complete interchange is needed for another 10 years. But the road is not due to start construction for another 3 or 4 years and will take another 2 years to construct.”
“So by the time the road is built, the complete interchange at the Hospital will almost be needed according to the modelling used by the RMS.”
“This is just another Tourle Street Bridge, we will see a future Government pay double the cost to complete the interchange when it should be done now.”
“The Government are again giving motorists lip service, saying one thing and giving us another.”