The Hillsborough Road upgrade is moving ahead, with the contract now signed to deliver the first stage of this long-awaited project for Lake Macquarie.
Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract and will soon begin work to upgrade the Crockett Street intersection, including installing new traffic lights and duplicating 700 metres of Hillsborough Road.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $35 million for the Crockett Street Stage one upgrade, a key step in the transformation of this busy corridor.
The project will ultimately upgrade the full 1.8 kilometre stretch of Hillsborough Road between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout and the existing duplication west of Crockett Street.
Early site establishment activities will begin in April, with major construction expected to start in May 2026 and take around 18 months to complete, depending on staging arrangements.
Around 36,000 motorists use Hillsborough Road each day, and the upgrade will deliver smoother journeys, improved safety and better access for everyone travelling through the area.
The community helped shape the project, with Transport for NSW consulting on the concept design and environmental assessment in 2022 and publishing the submissions report in August 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"This is a big milestone for the Hillsborough Road upgrade and fantastic news for the 36,000 motorists who rely on this road every day.
"After years of congestion and frustration for local drivers, we're getting on with the job of delivering real upgrades that make a difference.
"The Minns Labor Government is focused on investing in the infrastructure growing communities like Lake Macquarie need - safer roads, better connections and smoother journeys."
Quotes attributable to Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison:
"We know Hillsborough Road is a critical link for those travelling to, from and around Lake Macquarie.
"The region is rapidly expanding which is why upgrades such as these are critical in supporting future growth.
"This is great news for local residents and motorists with the contract signed and sealed, and works being delivered so we can get on with this vital upgrade".
Quote attributable to Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper:
"This is the moment Lake Macquarie residents have been waiting for - the green light to get boots on the ground.
"The Hillsborough Road upgrade is an essential investment for our local infrastructure which will pave the way for safer, faster, and more reliable travel for everyone.
"This upgrade will not only ease congestion and improve travel times but also enhance safety and support economic growth."
