Hillsborough and Warners Bay residents will gather at Hillsborough oval today at 9am, calling on the state government to release funding in the upcoming NSW 2018/19 budget for improvements to Hillsborough Road.
They'll share stories about accidents or near-misses along the stretch, with representatives from Lake Macquarie Council and Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison to also address the crowd.
It's understood the RMS has been invited to attend but is yet to deliver an RSVP.
The busy arterial road runs through Warner's Bay and Cardiff South and has been a source of controversy for years.
Daily congestion means many residents struggle to enter and exit their own homes, often costing them 15 or 20 minutes in the morning.
They're also concerned about the dangers the road poses to motorists and pedestrians alike, following the tragic 2015 death of 15-year-old Jade Frith.
Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says the government promised her a study on the road's problems and ways to remedy them back in 2015 but no upgrades have since been completed.
Hillsborough resident, Michael Nolan organised the meeting and says everyone living in the suburb has only two main entrances and exits, so Hillsborough Road needs to be de-congested.
"We've been petitioning the state government for five and a half years to release the Roads and Maritime report [the Lake Macquarie Network Study] to identify the problems along the Road and the solutions to those traffic issues...
"We've now got a draft copy of that report, which identifies that traffic lights will be put at the Chadwick Street and Hillsborough Road intersection," he continued, "so now we're hoping they'll act on the draft plans before...the next election."
Anyone passionate about the cause who can't make it to the meeting is urged to contact the office of Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison or write to the office of Roads Minister, Melinda Pavey.
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| Flowers mourn the death of a 15-year-old girl on the busiest section of Hillsborough Rd, 2015. Image: The Herald. |
