Road traffic control signs have been placed on Lake Road in Port Macquarie due to the ongoing construction of a new McDonald’s restaurant. Businesses in the area are expressing concerns about the impact on traffic flow and pedestrian safety as a result of this development.
The construction site, situated on Lake Road, a crucial arterial link in Port Macquarie’s industrial hub, has raised issues for adjacent businesses like Storage King and Springloaded. Storage King staff note that the area has always faced congestion, but the addition of the McDonald’s project has exacerbated the situation, creating a bottleneck that is expected to worsen upon the restaurant’s opening.
Hurst construction company, the contractor for the McDonald’s project, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase their construction services. However, concerns from local businesses, including Springloaded, whose access has been obstructed by construction vehicles, have prompted calls for improved traffic management strategies and pedestrian infrastructure along Lake Road.
Richard Borg, an employee at Storage King, highlighted the absence of pedestrian crossings and safety islands on Lake Road, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures given the frequent passage of emergency vehicles along the route. There have been reports of temporary access modifications for properties along the road during the construction phase.
In response to these concerns, a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council spokesperson acknowledged the need for temporary access adjustments and assured that the proponent would maintain adequate access for neighboring businesses. The council mentioned future plans for a signalized intersection at Jindalee Road to facilitate pedestrian movement, although the timeline for this development is contingent on securing funding.
Notably, the council had previously discarded a proposal for the Port Macquarie orbital road in 2022, designed to alleviate traffic congestion and provide direct links to essential services in the town. This decision underscores the ongoing challenges in managing traffic in the region and the importance of strategic urban planning to address growing infrastructure demands.
As the debate over the Lake Macquarie traffic situation continues, the local community remains vigilant about the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate congestion, improve road safety, and enhance pedestrian accessibility in the area. With ongoing developments and infrastructure projects shaping the region’s landscape, stakeholders are urging authorities to prioritize comprehensive traffic management strategies that balance economic growth with public safety.
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