WORK has started on the stage two upgrade of Schofields Road, between Tallawong and Veron roads.
“We are progressively upgrading Schofields Road to four lanes between Windsor and Richmond Roads, with stage one opened in June,” Minister for Roads and Freight, Duncan Gay said.
Stage two was fast tracked to start this month, with $135 million allocated to the project.
In addition to widening the road to two lanes in each direction, new traffic lights will be built at the intersections of Hambledon, Boundary, Junction and Veron Roads and at Railway Terrace.
“Safety for pedestrians and cyclists will also be improved with a shared path and new street lighting to be installed,’’ Mr Gay said.
Bus lanes and new bus bays will also be created to improve travel on public transport.
Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly said stage two lanes were expected to open in the first half of 2017 with enough road corridor allocated for the road to be widened to six lanes in the future.
“Planning approval is in place for the third and final 2.5 kilometre stage of the Schofields Road upgrade from Veron Road down South Street to Richmond Road and detailed design is nearing completion,” Mr Conolly said.
Stage 1: Windsor Road to Tallawong Road
Work started — October 2012
Completed — June 30, 2014
Funding — $65 million
Stage 2: Tallawong Road to Veron Road
Work started — August 11, 2014
Expected completion — mid 2017
Funding — $135 million
Stage 3: Veron Road and Richmond Road
Expected start — 2016, subject to funding availability
Expected completion — late 2018
Funding — $500,000 this financial year to continue planning.