Plans to to upgrade the intersection of Central Coast Hwy and Tumbi Rd are powering ahead, with Expressions of Interest now being sought from contractors.
The Federal and NSW governments are investing $65.5M to upgrade the notorious bottleneck as part of plans to improve traffic flow and safety on the highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay.
The Australian Government has committed $52.4M towards the project.
Key features of the upgrade include replacement of the existing intersection roundabout with traffic lights and widening the highway north of the intersection to two lanes in each direction to the project boundary near Forresters Beach Garden Centre.
Transport for NSW has carried out extensive community consultation, with the Review of Environmental Factors on display for feedback in October 2021 and the subsequent submissions report, addressing matters raised by the community, published online in June 2022.
Last year, early works to prepare for the intersection upgrade were carried out, including vegetation clearing, surveying, minor earthworks, geotechnical testing, demolition of Department of Transport-owned property, and installation of utilities pits, conduits and cables.
Timing on the next stage of construction is yet to be confirmed but is expected in early 2025.
The project will take about two years to complete, weather permitting.
Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said the Central Coast was a busy and growing region, and locals deserved a strong road network that they could rely on.
“Once completed, this upgrade will improve safety and ease congestion for locals and visitors,” she said.
Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the bottleneck was notorious.
“This upgrade will cut congestion, improve road safety and make travelling around the Central Coast much easier for all motorists,” he said.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the highway provided an important connection between the M1 at Kariong and the Pacific Hwy at Doyalson through Gosford, Erina and The Entrance.
“This is a great step forward in progressing the Tumbi Rd intersection upgrade which will help ensure local communities enjoy improved reliability and connectivity on this important route,” he said.