A SOUTH Kempsey business owner has raised safety concerns for motorists travelling on the Pacific Hwy from Kundabung to Kempsey.
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Mark Brownbill from Australian Pet Boarding told The Macleay Argus he had received limited information on the new Pacific Hwy project after repeated requests to construction company McConnell Dowell.
“My main concern is for the safety of my clients wanting to drop off their animals,” Mr Brownbill said.
“It’s great that the highway is finally going to be built, but I need to know what is going on as my business is going to be affected.
“I have asked when work is starting and if possible could I get a map to let my customers know how to enter the property safely.
“However, every time I ask for information I get told it’s coming, but it never does. "A spokesperson from McConnell Dowell dropped off a letter last week with limited information and then told me work will begin in the coming week."
Mr Brownbill said the spokesperson also told him that during construction, all the traffic on the highway would be travelling on a two-way road directly outside his business.
“As we all know, the Pacific Ha is a fast-paced and often confusing road to travel,” Mr Brownbill said.
“Add to that the construction conditions with multiple directional signage and large machinery and flashing lights - I believe it will be very easy for my customers to get confused and have an accident.”
A NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesperson told The Macleay Argus the RMS would continue working with all affected residents and businesses to reduce any potential impacts of work on the Kundabung to Kempsey Pacific Highway upgrade.
“Roads and Maritime Services has met with the owner of Australian Pet Boarding and is developing a draft access and signage plan based on the business owner’s feedback and will offer the owner further opportunities to comment on the plan before changes are made,” the spokesperson said.
“Roads and Maritime will again speak with the business owner to ensure he is informed on the timing of the next steps.
“The environmental management plans are currently being considered by the NSW and Australian governments and major work on this section is yet to start.
"The project team will continue to keep the community informed on the building timeline as approvals are met.”