Shovels will hit the ground 18 months ahead of schedule on Stage One of the Avoca Drive Upgrade, with the project given the green light to start works before the end of the year.
The project is backed by a $100 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government and $30 million from the Minns Labor Government.
The major upgrade will tackle one of the Central Coast's biggest congestion bottlenecks, delivering two lanes in each direction, intersection upgrades and better connections for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
A key east-west route on the Central Coast, Avoca Drive carries around 26,000 vehicles a day and provides access to Kincumber Village Shopping Centre, local schools, sporting facilities, businesses and community services.
Works on Stage One will start before the end of the year, with construction ramping up in early 2027.
The project will widen one kilometre of Avoca Drive to two lanes in each direction between the Bungoona Road and Carrak Road, and Joalah Road and Killuna Road intersections, upgrade three intersections, deliver new pedestrian crossings, and improve active and public transport connections. A new roundabout at Bungoona Road and Kincumber Street will improve access to the Kincumber Village Shopping Centre.
Earlier this year, the community provided feedback on the proposal which was considered and addressed in the Determination Report and is now available on the project webpage.
Just months after the community was invited to have its say, the project has cleared the approval process and is moving into construction, with the NSW Government's Project Swift initiative accelerating delivery by progressing planning, design and procurement activities in tandem and streamlining key processes - bringing construction forward by more than 18 months.
Work is already progressing behind the scenes to prepare for construction, with GHD Pty Ltd engaged to develop detailed design and procurement for a construction contractor well underway.
The Minns Labor Government will also undertake planning for the upgrade of Avoca Drive, west of Kincumber.
Quotes attributable to Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns:
"Avoca Drive is a critical link used by thousands of Central Coast drivers every day. This upgrade will make these journeys quicker and safer and make it easier for locals to get around.
"With more and more people calling the Central Coast home, we're making the investments in local infrastructure now, to help ease pressure on our roads in the future."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Infrastructure, Catherine King:
"Avoca Drive is one of the Central Coast's most frustrating traffic bottlenecks which is why the Albanese Government is investing $100 million to fix it.
"This transformative project will deliver much needed lane duplication, and vital active transport options, with work beginning before the end of 2026 and ramping up in 2027.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"This is a big win for the Central Coast, and it's happened because the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are committed to delivering the best, and most impactful infrastructure for communities across our state.
"Avoca Drive is a notorious headache for locals, and once this upgrade is done, it'll make a real difference to safety and congestion in the area."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Central Coast, David Harris:
"Avoca Drive is a vital artery crucial to the lifeblood of the Central Coast which is why the Minns Labor Government is prioritising works to progress its upgrade.
"The community feedback received will play an important role in refining the design and ensuring the project meets the needs of local residents and road users.
"We look forward to seeing work get under way to improve safety and journey reliability for the growing number of motorists who use this road daily."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid:
"This upgrade will mean safer roads, better traffic flow and more reliable journeys for the thousands of people who use Avoca Drive every day. It will make a real difference to families, workers, businesses and everyone who calls the Central Coast home.
"This is what Labor Governments do - we listen to our communities, we make commitments and, most importantly, we deliver.
"I'm proud that the Albanese Labor Government is investing in the infrastructure the Central Coast needs and deserves.
"Only the Albanese Labor Government has a proven track record of delivering for the people of the Central Coast, and the commencement of the Avoca Drive upgrade is another example of that commitment being turned into action."
