Work is underway on a $13 million intersection upgrade in Morisset to support development in one of the Hunter Region's fastest growing suburbs.
Once complete, the Alliance Avenue and Wyee Road intersection will include a dual-lane roundabout, shared pathways, pedestrian refuges and a cycling lane.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the upgrade would reduce congestion and improve safety and access for all transport users.
"Morisset has been identified as the most important growth area in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, and projects like this will help it realise its potential," he said.
"Lake Macquarie City Council is spending $10.5 million directly on this intersection upgrade, as it is a key step in delivering our Morisset Development Contribution Catchment Plan, supporting the area's forecast growth of 12,000 new residents over the next 20 years."
The NSW Government will provide $2.5 million for the project from its State Voluntary Planning Agreement Funding Program, which uses developer contributions to fund State and regional projects supporting housing and employment growth.
The Alliance Avenue and Wyee Road intersection is part of a key freight and diversion route for B-double vehicles and the M1.
It is also the only access point to Morisset's light industrial area from Wyee Road.
The upgrade is expected to be complete in the first half 2027.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the upgrade was an important investment to enable the growth of Morisset.
"By delivering this road upgrade we're also helping support new homes, jobs and services," he said.
"This intersection upgrade will be vital to making Morisset a connected, thriving regional centre that can grow sustainably and safely."
Member of the Legislative Council, Emily Suvaal, said infrastructure upgrades like the intersection project were important to enable the region's growth.
"Upgrading Alliance Avenue and Wyee Road intersection will create smoother and safer connections throughout Morisset for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles alike," she said.
"This is far more than a better road and pathway – it's an investment in Morisset's future."
Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said: "This vital intersection upgrade, funded through the State Voluntary Planning Agreement Funding Program, in conjunction with the future Mandalong Road Upgrade, will deliver the necessary infrastructure to support southern Lake Macquarie".
"Once complete, the Alliance Avenue-Wyee Road intersection will provide much-needed safe access to the growing industrial precinct and support future employment opportunities, commercial development and residential growth," he said.
