Glendale Transport Interchange
The combined Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange and Pennant Street Bridge projects at Glendale are the Hunter Region’s most significant public transport infrastructure projects and I will continue to lead the campaign for their funding and delivery.
The project involves the construction of a new railway station, access roads, intersections, as well as pathways and bridges which provide eastern access to the Glendale shopping centre.
Glendale is the geographical centre of the Lower Hunter and is centrally located to the region’s most densely populated area. It is also close to the M1 Pacific Motorway and is bordered by the main northern railway line.
Creating a major transport interchange with the associated expansion of the local road network will not only better serve commuters but stimulate commercial and residential development.
The interchange will vastly improve accessibility to key regional destinations and links with national transport routes. The Pennant Street Bridge will connect the major public transport hub on the northern side of the railway line with the Cardiff industrial estate, which is one of the biggest employment zones in the region, making public transport a viable option for many workers.
Lake Macquarie City Council has secured $37.5 million for initial roadworks but needs the same amount again to get started on stage two, which includes the Pennant Street Bridge. Yet more funding is needed for the bus and rail interchange, with the total bill expected to come in at about $100 million.
In July 2017, the Federal Government stepped in to assist in funding construction of the ‘missing link’ in Munibung Road, which is another stage of the broader transport interchange project. The 700-metre link will connect the Cardiff industrial estate with TC Frith Avenue at the new roundabout near Bunnings at Boolaroo. At the moment, a car travelling from the industrial estate would take 11 minutes to reach Speers Point, but that travel time will be reduced to one minute once the link has been completed. Additionally, the extension will take a lot of the existing traffic off Lake Road at Glendale and The Esplanade at Warners Bay.
The State Government has so far provided $15 million towards the overall interchange project. Clearly, a much bigger commitment is needed, not just from the State but from all levels of government.
I recently spoke again in Parliament about the need for these projects and the benefits they will bring. You can read that latest speech HERE.
The fight for this funding is among my highest priorities and I’ll be seeking further contributions in this year’s federal and state budgets.