Major construction is now underway on stage one of the Hillsborough Road upgrade, marking the beginning of a major overhaul of one of Lake Macquarie’s busiest transport corridors.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $35 million to upgrade the Crockett Street intersection, including installing new traffic lights and duplicating 700 metres of Hillsborough Road.
For the 36,000 motorists who travel this corridor each day, the Hillsborough Road upgrade will transform how people move through Lake Macquarie. The corridor is known for heavy congestion during peak periods, and difficult turning movements making it challenging for motorists to safely merge from side streets.
Start of work on stage one marks an important milestone in the NSW Government’s vision to upgrade the full 1.8 kilometre stretch of road, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication west of Crockett Street.
Construction of stage one is expected to take 18 months to complete, subject to weather.
The project has been shaped by community consultation undertaken in 2022, with further investigations and utility work completed in 2024 ahead of construction.
Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver stage one and has been establishing site since mid-April in preparation for major construction.
Work will be carried out on weekdays from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays, as required.
At times work will need to be carried out between 7pm and 5am to minimise impacts to traffic during peak times.
For the latest information on the project, visit nswroads.work/hillsboroughroad
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
“This is a major upgrade for one of Lake Macquarie’s busiest corridors and an important investment that will deliver safer roads for the Hunter.
“Anyone who drives Hillsborough Road knows the challenges of stop-start traffic and hard merges.
“Our $35 million investment means Hunter families will spend less time in traffic and more time with their loved ones.”
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“From this week, crews will be on the ground to begin construction on the $35 million Hillsborough Road upgrade – a project Lake Macquarie locals have been calling for, and one we are getting on with delivering.
“Hillsborough Road is well known by the community as a difficult stretch of road, with heavy peak-hour congestion and drivers often needing to slow right down to safely merge from side streets.
“This upgrade is about easing that pressure for motorists and making daily trips safer, smoother and less stressful. It’s great to see work now underway, with the community set to benefit from these improvements for years to come.”
Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison:
“The start of major work is the first step in easing congestion of a well-known bottleneck for local motorists.
“Once complete, the first stage will improve safety and ease congestion, meaning our community will spend less time stuck in traffic and more time at home with their families.
“I’m excited to see this project progress and start benefiting locals and visitors.”
Independent Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper:
“Hillsborough Road is a critical route for thousands of local motorists every day and this upgrade will make a real difference for the community.
“As our region continues to grow, projects like this are essential to keeping people moving safely and efficiently.
“The start of major construction is an exciting milestone and a sign of continued investment in Lake Macquarie’s future.”