The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) gave a commitment to hold a briefing for councillors and staff on the $1.7 billion project at a meeting between RTA officers and a council delegation this week.

It was based on traffic management issues raised over the Cliftleigh project specifically, and the impact of the expressway on the neighbouring road network generally.

Council city planning director Darryl Fitzgerald said Main Road, which extended through Heddon Greta and Cliftleigh before it became Cessnock Road en route to Maitland, would accommodate additional traffic that came with the development of the new subdivision.

The main entry will be from a signalised intersection on Main Road, with a second access to link up with the adjoining residential subdivision.

But he said councillors questioned the impact of more traffic generated by the location of the Kurri Kurri interchange for the Hunter Expressway.

The on-off ramp would be off Main Road, between Kurri Kurri and Heddon Greta.

“What the councillors are asking is should we be looking at upgrades for Main Road,” Mr Fitzgerald said.