PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) and Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) have reached a significant milestone in the long-awaited upgrade of Maria River Road, with the appointment of Eire Construction.
It marks the transition from planning for the upgrade, into the delivery phase.
The upgrade will see 20.2km of road constructed and sealed to improve safety, reliability and connectivity for residents, businesses, and communities across both local government areas.
Two work crews will operate in tandem to accelerate progress.
A 4.1km stretch located within a high koala activity zone will remain unsealed as a result of recommendations received through the environmental approvals phase.
This is to manage vehicle speeds through this section.
“The appointment of a contractor is a major step forward for the Maria River Road community, who have shown enormous patience as we worked through the complex approvals and environmental requirements,” PMHC Mayor Adam Roberts said.
“This upgrade will deliver safer, more reliable connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors, and it’s exciting to now be moving firmly into the delivery phase.”
The project has received $7.346 million from the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package under the jointly funded Australian and NSW governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and $17 million under the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
Construction is set to begin in early 2026.
Regular updates on timing, traffic changes and milestones will be shared via the Maria River Road Upgrade project page at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Maria-River-Road, and via on-site signage and direct communication with residents and landowners.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
