The largest road project funded by City of Newcastle has crossed the halfway mark, with dual lane upgrades set to ease traffic congestion in the western suburbs by Christmas.
The $41 million road widening project is a response to bottlenecks along Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue at peak times, and is designed to improve traffic flow for the tens of thousands of residents and commuters who travel through Wallsend every day.
City of Newcastle Interim Executive Manager Project Delivery Matthew Bennett, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Daracon Project Manager Alison Wood and Councillor Callum Pull view progress on one of the Minmi Road sections of the Western Corridor Road Upgrade project.
When complete, more than 20,000 tonnes of asphalt will have been installed as part of the project, alongside 5.2 km of kerb, 92 stormwater pits and 7,100 sqm of landscaping to bolster Wallsend's urban forest.
City of Newcastle Interim Executive Manager Project Delivery Matthew Bennett said the western corridor project was the city's largest and most ambitious road upgrades to date.
"From the realignment and relocation of key services with partners like Hunter Water, Ausgrid and Telstra, to the forward-thinking approach we've taken to greening the streets and median strips, we can be proud of the progress made so far," Mr Bennett said.
"In the coming weeks, you'll see work switch onto the northside of Minmi Road east of the Summerhill Road roundabout, and sections at both ends of Longworth Avenue, near Newcastle Road and Cowper Street, reach completion.
"Additionally, significant underground and foundation work has been completed to deliver additional benefits to the local community.
"This is not just a road duplication project, it's a major, long‑term investment in our western corridor.
"The project delivers new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure, watermain upgrades to improve water quality and security, and a comprehensive street garden program designed to reduce urban heat in the area.
"Upgrades to the traffic signals at the intersection of Longworth Avenue and Cowper Street further enhance safety and efficiency for all road users."
An aerial view of progress on the lane duplication along Minmi Road, Wallsend
City of Newcastle received $7.61 million under the NSW Government's Accelerated Infrastructure Fund towards this $41 million project. The project is estimated to support 3,000 homes.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully welcomed the progress made on a project that will significantly improve the link between Newcastle and its growing western suburbs.
"It's great to see the $41 million road upgrade progressing, which will deliver a tangible improvement to traffic flow for commuters travelling to and from the city," Mr Scully said.
"This project is paving the way for suburbs like Minmi and Fletcher to support more homes for people in the Newcastle region."
State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said once complete this will be a game changer for residents.
"This is an exciting milestone for a project which will have long term benefits for our community," Ms Hornery said.
"The upgrade will improve travel for thousands of people that travel through Wallsend every day."
Ward Four Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deahnna Richardson and Callum Pull welcomed news the project was tipped to conclude by Christmas.
"Roadworks of this scale of course don't come without disruptions for neighbouring and nearby properties, so we'd like to extend thanks to our residents for their patience while City of Newcastle has been completing these essential upgrades," Cr Adamczyk said.
"These upgrades are the largest roadworks project we've ever delivered, and it's been great to see City of Newcastle and Daracon working in partnership with the Wallsend community and other agencies to minimise disruption," Cr Pull said.
"In addition to widening the road, it's fantastic to have active and public transport upgrades incorporated into the program, such as the shared cycleway and footpath that will run along Minmi Road," Cr Richardson said.
To keep up-to-date with the latest information, visit the project page on City of Newcastle's website.
