Road infrastructure investment is reshaping Port Macquarie’s key growth areas

Port Macquarie is in the midst of a sustained period of transport infrastructure delivery, with major road upgrades improving regional connectivity, relieving congestion and supporting long-term residential, commercial and industrial expansion. Works across Ocean Drive, the Oxley Highway corridor, Lake Road, the Pacific Highway network and key urban intersections are collectively reshaping how people, freight and services move through the region. 

Regional connectivity and long-term planning context 

Broader transport planning across the North Coast reinforces the importance of regional connectivity to economic performance. According to the NSW Government’s regional planning framework, improved road networks across corridors such as the Pacific Highway and connecting highways are expected to support freight efficiency, tourism and economic productivity (NSW Government, 2023). The Pacific Highway continues to function as a key north-south spine connecting Sydney and Brisbane, with recent upgrades improving safety, travel time reliability and freight movement. East-west highway connections, including the Oxley Highway, are also critical for linking inland centres such as Wauchope with coastal hubs like Port Macquarie, supporting both commercial activity and population movement (Transport for NSW, 2025). 

Ocean Drive duplication strengthens southern corridor 

The $123 million Ocean Drive Duplication represents one of the region’s most significant recent infrastructure upgrades. Jointly funded by the NSW Government and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the project opened in December 2025 and transformed approximately 3.2 kilometres of Ocean Drive into a four-lane corridor designed to reduce congestion and improve travel times (NSW Government, 2025). The works included intersection upgrades, pedestrian and cycle links, fauna crossings and environmental fencing, improving safety and access along a key coastal connection between Port Macquarie and surrounding communities including Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and Laurieton (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, 2025). Importantly, the upgrade has addressed long-standing congestion points along the southern corridor, improving network flow and supporting future residential, service and commercial demand in surrounding growth areas. 

Oxley Highway upgrades supporting western growth

Attention is increasingly focused on the Oxley Highway corridor, which is experiencing capacity pressure driven by population growth and industrial expansion in areas such as Thrumster and Sancrox. Transport for NSW is progressing planning for staged intersection upgrades between John Oxley Drive and Hastings River Drive, including key junctions around Wrights Road and Lake Road. These works are intended to improve traffic efficiency along one of Port Macquarie’s most important east-west routes (Transport for NSW, 2025). In parallel, the NSW Government has committed $20 million to design and deliver improvements to the Pacific Highway and Oxley Highway interchange, known locally as “The Doughnut”. Stage one is expected to commence in early 2027 and take around two years to complete, with works focused on improving safety and reducing congestion at this key regional junction (Transport for NSW, 2025). 

Gordon Street intersection upgrade addressing urban congestion 

Within the Port Macquarie urban area, the Gordon Street and Horton Street intersection upgrade has now been completed, replacing the former roundabout with a signalised intersection to improve traffic efficiency, safety and pedestrian accessibility. The project addressed deteriorating pavement conditions and increasing traffic volumes, with works including new pavement, traffic signals, drainage upgrades and improved pedestrian crossings. The upgrade improves internal circulation within an established commercial area and supports smoother access into the CBD (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, 2025). 

Lake Road reinforcing freight and industrial access 

Lake Road continues to play a key role as a freight and logistics corridor, linking Ocean Drive with the Oxley Highway and serving the Port Macquarie industrial precinct. Council is progressing design and environmental approvals for the duplication of Lake Road between Ocean Drive and Chestnut Road. The project is intended to improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility, with construction funding to be sought once approvals are in place (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, 2025). The corridor remains central to freight efficiency and industrial land activation, particularly as western growth areas continue to expand. 

Integrated transport and active mobility considerations 

Regional transport planning also highlights the role of public and active transport in reducing congestion and improving liveability. Wider streets, lower traffic volumes and improved pedestrian infrastructure present opportunities for expanded cycling and walking networks that connect key activity centres. Future development patterns are expected to increase demand for public transport services, particularly in growth areas where higher-density housing and employment nodes are emerging. 

Supporting commercial and industrial growth 

Across the network, road infrastructure investment is improving access to key growth areas and reinforcing the viability of emerging commercial and industrial precincts. Southern coastal upgrades along Ocean Drive are supporting residential expansion, while western corridor works along the Oxley Highway and Lake Road are strengthening freight efficiency and industrial land supply. Urban intersection upgrades such as Gordon Street are improving internal circulation and addressing congestion pressure points within established commercial areas. 

Collectively, these projects are creating a more connected and efficient transport framework, providing stronger foundations for long-term commercial, industrial and residential development across Port Macquarie and surrounding townships. If you are considering selling or leasing commercial property in Port Macquarie, Commercial Collective can help you position your asset in line with infrastructure investment, precinct growth and evolving buyer and tenant demand. Speak with our team today to discuss your property strategy.