Federal Budget: Wakehurst Parkway gets state/federal funding for upgrade

The project will involve widening a 2.5 kilometre section of the road, from Dreadnought Road in Oxford Falls to 500 metres south of the Warringah Road intersection.

For motorists travelling south, a right hand turning lane will also be added at Oxford Falls Road.

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A pedestrian and cycle bridge, connecting Aquatic Drive and Fitzpatrick Avenue East, plus new fauna rope crossings to protect wildlife, will also be constructed.

But, the extensive works will not stop the road from flooding an average of six times a year

The $150m in funds will be a 50/50 split between state and federal governments.

"Unlike other announcements this isn't a promise or another study, it is money in the bank," federal member for Mackellar Jason Falinski said.

He said there was a possibility the road widening could extend further.

"All the land's owned, so there's no land acquisition involved in that," Mr Falinski said. "If the $75m stretches to Oxford Falls Road then we would go as far as that, but we'll just have to wait and see."

Motorists will still be able to use the road while works are conducted.

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Independent candidate for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, said the community has been "taken for granted as a safe Liberal seat".

"The Wakehurst Parkway has been a problem for many years, just like the PEP-11 project to drill for oil and gas off our beaches," she said.

"Now that there's a strong independent running for Mackellar these problems are finally being addressed. Imagine what we can accomplish if Mackellar elects an independent."

Mr Falinski said this is a first step in making Wakehurst Parkway safer, reducing travel times and boosting the economy.

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"Investing in infrastructure upgrades ensures we are planning for a better future, giving locals the roads and services, they need and deserve," he said.

"These funding commitments will create jobs, boost business investment, and drive our economic recovery."

Mr Falinski said he shares the public's frustration about why the entire road isn't being widened now.

"This is about 20 per cent of what I want, but it's a beginning and these things often happen in stages," he said.

This project is expected to commence construction in early 2023 and be completed by mid-2025.

The Australian Government's $75m is part of the 2022-23 Budget.

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