Over 26,000 Central Coast motorists are a step closer to ditching one of the region's worst bottlenecks, with the first construction stage of the Tumbi Road intersection upgrade wrapping up this week.
As part of a broader plan to improve safety and traffic flow between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, the intersection of Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road is being upgraded with a $52.4 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government and a $13.1 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.
Delivered in construction stages, the project is already making strong progress on the ground.
Stage 1 focused on improving traffic movements through the intersection by removing the old concrete medians and roundabout, replacing them with a temporary asphalt roundabout, and relocating critical utilities including water, sewer, gas and electrical services.
Stage 2 will see earthworks on the western side of the project, north of the roundabout, to create the required width for the new traffic lanes. It will also continue installation of the sandstone and concrete retaining walls, as well as property adjustments at businesses along the Central Coast Highway.
This next construction stage will also see new stormwater drainage installed, upgraded and smoother road pavements and footpaths, and improvements to bus stops to better support the growing communities of the Central Coast.
Since construction began in June 2025, crews have completed extensive vegetation clearing, major earthworks, utility relocations, new street lighting and the construction of a 2.5-metre-high sandstone retaining wall to support road widening and safer pedestrian access.
For the thousands of locals who rely on this stretch of road every day, whether commuting to work or getting kids to school, this upgrade will mean less time stuck in traffic and more reliable trips across the Central Coast.
The full upgrade is on track for completion by mid-2028, with the community to be kept informed as work progresses.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
"This is an exciting step toward improving traffic flow at a notorious bottleneck for commuters on the Central Coast.
"The Australian and NSW Governments are committed to delivering the new roads communities need. This safer intersection will mean smoother traffic flows and better connections for everyone using Central Coast roads."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride:
"I'm pleased to see the first construction stage of this important upgrade to Tumbi Road now completed.
"Replacing the roundabout with traffic lights will ease local congestion, improve safety and help reduce travel times."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"The Central Coast community can breathe a sigh of relief this week knowing we've reached the next milestone in this major upgrade.
"Getting stage one complete means we can now move into the next phase of work to build a safer, more reliable intersection that makes everyday trips easier - whether you're heading to work, school drop-off or running errands.
"This is about making sure people can get where they need to go safely and with less stress, and we'll keep the community updated as the upgrade takes shape."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Central Coast, David Harris:
"I'm proud to be part of a government delivering infrastructure to our growing region and in this case upgrades that make a real difference to improving safety, easing congestion and giving people more time back in their day instead of sitting in traffic.
"This project has also delivered for the local economy, supporting 125 local jobs throughout construction."
Quotes attributable to Member for The Entrance, David Mehan:
"Seeing stage one complete shows real momentum on a project that will make a lasting difference to how people move around the Central Coast."
"No matter if you're heading to the shops, school drop-off or work, this project is about making everyday trips faster, safer and more reliable."
