An increase in pedestrian and cyclist activity between the Ron Brown Way shared pathway on Soldiers Road and the proposed extension of the Ron Brown Way from Soldiers Road to Naru Street, as well as on the new Ferneligh Awabakal Shared Track will lead to an increased risk of collision as users travel across the Pacific Highway between Pelican and Blacksmiths.
Anticipated population growth in our city's south and on the Central Coast indicate that traffic along the Pacific Highway is expected to increase in coming years, further heightening this risk.
The proposed changes will make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists travelling through the intersection now and into the future.
Staged construction is expected to commence in early 2026, with construction of the Ron Brown Way shared pathway along the Pacific Highway, between Naru Street and Lake Macquarie Airport.
Stage Two of the project will start in late 2026 and will include the intersection safety improvements and a 300m extension of the shared pathway from the southern side of Soldiers Road to Lake Macquarie Airport, linking with Stage One to create a safer, continuous connection.
Proposed changes to traffic movements across the intersection are expected to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and reduce the risk of collisions.
Traffic counts show use of the current turn movements at the intersection is minimal, as intersections to the south offer safer turning options for motorists.
Motorists can cross the Pacific Highway at two other intersections:
Two options are available for southbound travel onto the Pacific Highway; motorists can turn right from Karog Street but the safest option would be to use the lights at Turea Street.
Northbound motorists along the Pacific Highway will no longer be able to turn right into Awabakal Avenue to access the southern (Blacksmiths) end of Nine Mile Beach by 4WD.
Northbound motorists seeking 4WD access to Nine Mile Beach are encouraged to exit the Pacific Highway at Gommera, Tirriki or Maneela streets at Blacksmiths then travel north up Ungala Street to Awabakal Avenue.
Alternatively, 4WD access to the beach is also available further north via Beach Street and Ocean Park Road at Belmont South.
AaronProjects and Technical Officer