Still no fix for dangerous Bucketts Way intersection

THERE is still no relief in sight for long-suffering motorists trying to turn right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway during busy periods.

On 8 January 2025, News Of The Area reported that “those travelling south from Gloucester will, for the foreseeable future at least, continue experiencing the often-long delays, and significant risks associated with turning right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway.”

That statement is as true in January 2026 as it was 12 months ago.

“Transport for NSW will develop options to address access points, including investigating upgrades for Italia Road, Medowie Road and Bucketts Way to support safe movement of vehicles and population growth in the area,” said a spokesperson for Transport for New South Wales (TFNSW) at that time.

“Further investigations are underway to develop a business case and explore options for enhancing safety.

“Transport for NSW is working with the Australian Government to understand timeframe considerations for individual projects within the Pacific Highway corridor.

“Further funding will be needed for project planning, progression and construction work.”

The problem for motorists wanting to turn right onto the highway is particularly acute during holiday periods, with the queue often stretching a long distance up Bucketts Way as drivers wait for a gap in the northbound traffic.

On the morning of 2 January, there was a queue of more than 50 vehicles waiting for a chance to turn right from Bucketts Way onto the Pacific Highway.

NOTA sought comment from Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, but has yet to receive a response.

TFNSW responded to NOTA’s questions in almost identical terms to its comments 12 months ago.

“The Australian and NSW Governments have committed funding to develop safety improvement options for the section of the Pacific Highway between Raymond Terrace and Karuah,” said a spokesperson.

“This includes an additional $12 million commitment to design upgrades for The Bucketts Way and Medowie Road intersections.

“Transport will develop options to address access points, including investigating upgrades for Italia Road, Medowie Road and Bucketts Way, to support safe movement of vehicles and population growth in the area.

“Further investigations are underway to inform development of a business case for staged upgrades to improve safety along this section of the M1 Pacific Motorway.

“Transport advises further funding will be needed to complete development and delivery of the identified projects.”

According to Matt Clich, President of the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce, the dangerous intersection is also having an adverse economic impact on Gloucester.

“I fully support the urgent calls for action at the Bucketts Way and Pacific Highway intersection,” said Mr Clinch.

“The combination of high-speed highway traffic, long queues of vehicles attempting right-hand turns, and limited safe gaps creates conditions that are plainly dangerous.

“Local businesses, residents and visitors alike have been voicing these concerns for years, and the evidence is now undeniable.

“Beyond safety, the intersection has become a clear economic impediment for Gloucester.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy and when visitors are deterred from travelling here, or choose not to return because access is perceived as unsafe or frustrating, our accommodation providers, hospitality venues, retailers and service businesses all suffer.

“Waiting for a fatality before infrastructure is addressed is not a responsible approach to road safety or regional planning.”

Trudy Schultz from Accommodation Gloucester indicated that what was once a minor intersection is now a regional traffic bottleneck.

“An overpass is no longer a nice to have”, said Ms Schultz.

“It is required infrastructure for the safety, efficiency and future growth of our region.”

By: John WATTS