Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP has called on the NSW State Government to urgently provide funding to alleviate the traffic nightmare and dangerous conditions at the Maitland Train Station roundabout.

In September 2016, the $51 million dollar east-bound fly-over was completed but fell short of addressing the dangerous conditions local motorists and emergency services encounter each day.

Ms Aitchison has been in constant discussions with the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Kevin Anderson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads, Maritime and Transport and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) regarding community concerns since the roundabout opened to traffic.

Many locals have contacted Ms Aitchison over their concerns that emergency services, especially ambulances, have been delayed on their way to an emergency due to heavy congestion in this area.

This is pertinent as a Development Application for a new Ambulance Station at Rutherford has just been lodged and it is vital that these vehicles will be able to travel quickly and safely through this notorious stretch.

Ms Aitchison said the impact of the congestion was even apparent on ANZAC Day as the road was not closed in the lead up to the 11am Service and when it was closed it was immediately re-opened before people had cleared the park.

This matter highlights Ms Aitchison’s concerns that this stretch of road has been forgotten by the Sydney-centric Berejiklian Government who are wasting billions of tax payer dollars on their extravagant stadium splurge.

Comments attributable to Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland
“The Government’s $51 million white elephant Maitland Railway Station roundabout overpass has done little to reduce congestion and improve access to the CBD. Motorists travelling along the New England Highway everyday will tell you the need for increased infrastructure spending in our electorate.”

“The Minister needs to urgently provide funding to alleviate the traffic congestion problems and to address the dangerous conditions that motorists face on a daily basis at the Maitland Railway Station roundabout”

“This just can’t wait. It’s been a problem for nearly two years and the Government needs to act immediately to address the safety concerns.”

“We all knew that the roundabout was never going to be the solution.”

“I am deeply concerned that there will be a fatality on this stretch of road or someone will die waiting for assistance as the ambulance is stuck in traffic.”

“As the Premier celebrates selling off our state owned assets and refused to back down from her commitment to spend north of $2 billion to knock down and rebuild stadiums in Sydney, ambulances, fire trucks, police and commuters in Maitland are sitting in traffic because this Government does not care about fixing Maitland’s roads.”