Governments missing in action on grade separated interchanges for Medowie Road and Bucketts Way

Since November 2025, Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold MP, has sought answers from the NSW Minister for Regional Transport, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, about the timeline for the promised design work for the Italia Road, Bucketts Way and Medowie Road/Pacific Highway intersection upgrades.

‘As locals and tourists know all too well these intersections are dangerous, and with our growing population, are only getting worse,’ Ms Penfold said.

‘I wrote to the State Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison MP in November 2025 and after two follow up letters requesting a clear timeline for intersection upgrades, including the design of grade-separated interchanges at Medowie Road and at the Bucketts Way, she finally replied on the 22nd February 2026.

“The letter fails to provide any clear answer to my question of the timeline for work on making the three intersections safe and suitable for the traffic loads they each manage.

“Funds have been on the table for years with the Australian Government placing $19.2 million on the table for design work yet no work has been undertaken.

“What disturbs me is that it seems the NSW State Government is only looking to identify a “preferred corridor solution for the at-grade intersections of the three roads. This means no consideration of grade-separated intersections for Medowie Road and the Bucketts Way which really is the only safe solution that the NSW State and the Federal Governments should be considering.

‘Secondly, Transport for NSW is currently preparing project proposals to release funds begin work on a business case’, advises Minister Aitchison’s letter.

It went on to say that, ‘As part of the investigation, Transport for NSW will:

·       Conduct traffic modelling to assess current and future traffic volumes, including heavy vehicle movements from nearby quarries

·       Develop upgrade options and consult with the community to gather feedback

·       Undertake environmental assessments on the preferred option.

‘I am advised the delivery of any upgrade between Raymond Terrace and Karuah will depend on future funding. This project is now part of the broader Pacific Highway Corridor Program. Transport for NSW advises it is working closely with the Commonwealth to determine timeframes and funding arrangements for individual projects within the corridor’, Minister Aitchison’s letter said.

Ms Penfold has called the Minister’s response ‘pitiful’, criticising not only the time it took for the Minister to respond to her, but also how evasive it is, effectively ignoring Ms Penfold’s request for a clear timeframe.

‘The reply from the Minister is an affront to all those who have to use these intersections. Whilst I understand that planning and approvals take time, this has gone on far too long’.

‘People are going to die on these roads whilst the bureaucrats and the minister sit on their hands. I urge the minister to take immediate action to cut the red tape, cut the delay tactics, and get on with the job’.

Ms Penfold also wrote to the Minister in November 2025, requesting an update on plans for graded interchanges at Myall Way, Failford Road, and Houston Mitchell Drive. She is yet to receive a response from the Minister.

Media Contact: Max Dent - 0406 844 226