Hunter motorists who travel left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass may notice lighter traffic with three lanes now open in both directions for 650 metres.
The State and Federal Governments have collectively invested $2.2 billion into the project which is set to reduce traffic congestion on the highway when the full 6km stretch opens next year.
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says she understands the benefit this upgrade will have on the wider community.
“This is a hugely busy corridor for both motorists and freight, 50,000 people travel on this road every day”.
“This is an important starting point,” she said.
As for the future of the Hexham straight, the additional lane is only a taste of what is to come, when complete the road will comprise of three lanes for the entire six-kilometre stretch.
The project is expected to be finished by 2026.
BY JESSICA STEENS
