The Hillsborough Road upgrade is moving ahead, with AECOM Australia announced to deliver the detailed design for stage one of the project.
The NSW Government is providing $35 million to construct upgrades to the 1.8-kilometre stretch of road, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication west of Crockett Street.
Stage one involves upgrading Crockett Street intersection, which will include the installation of traffic lights and duplication of 700 metres of the road at this location.
Construction of stage one is expected to start in 2025 and take about 18 months to complete, depending on final staging arrangements.
This is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to set our regional communities up for the future, improving safety on our regional, rural and remote roads, reducing travel times and increasing productivity after a decade of neglect by the former government.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“This is a huge win for the 36,000 motorists who use Hillsborough Road daily.
“The NSW Government congratulates AECOM Australia for being awarded the tender on this project, which will improve safety, reduce congestion and remove daily bottlenecks.
“Once the upgrade is complete, it’s expected road users will save up to four minutes in travel time during the morning and afternoon peaks.”
Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“This is the first step towards making life better for Hunter motorists, cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Charlestown and Warners Bay.
“These are major Hunter communities that deserve the best infrastructure and that’s exactly what the NSW Government is delivering.
“This $35 million total upgrade will mean less time on the road for thousands of drivers every day.”
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
“This is an important step in getting the Hillsborough Road upgrade signed, sealed and delivered.
“The new upgrade will not only improve local traffic flow, it will also be safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
“I know this is something the community has been asking for, so this is a fantastic first step in delivering this very important project.”
Timing for construction of the remaining stages is subject to project approvals and funding.
For the latest information on the project.