Safer, more reliable journeys are on the way for motorists who use the Central Coast Highway, with main construction works starting to upgrade the Central Coast Highway-Tumbi Road intersection.
The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are joining forces to deliver a $65.5 million upgrade that will significantly improve journeys for Central Coast motorists and the 26,000 vehicles using this stretch daily.
The transformation will slash travel times, improve safety, and boost the local economy with 125 construction jobs supported throughout the build.
This major investment will be split among the two governments, with the Albanese Government contributing $52.4 million, and the New South Wales Government investing $13.1 million.
Work has officially begun to replace the existing roundabout with modern traffic lights and expand the highway to two lanes in each direction, to the project boundary. This upgrade will address the notorious bottleneck and improve traffic flow and safety on the Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay.
Key project features
The comprehensive upgrade includes:
- Traffic lights replacing the roundabout
- Highway widening to two lanes each way north of the intersection
- Two right-turn lanes from Tumbi Road onto the highway
- A right turn lane onto Tumbi Road from the Central Coast Highway southbound
- Extended left-turn capacity into Tumbi Road
- Upgraded footpaths and cycling infrastructure
- Relocated bus stops for better passenger access, with two existing northbound bus stops moved to a common location north of the intersection
Timeline and consultation
Following extensive community consultation in 2021-2022 and preparatory works in 2023, Daracon Pty Ltd was awarded the construction contract in March 2025. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, weather permitting.
More information can be accessed here.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Endless queues down Tumbi Road will soon be a thing of the past as the Australian Government and the NSW Government work together to upgrade the Tumbi Road intersection.
"This upgrade will make the intersection safer, reduce delays and improve traffic flow. Traffic lights will also give NSW traffic controllers the ability to make changes to the timing and sequencing of lights to maintain traffic flow even in the busiest holiday periods."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride:
"The Tumbi Road roundabout is a known bottleneck and I'm delighted to see work start to address this long-standing issue.
"Replacing the roundabout with traffic lights will help better manage traffic flows, reducing congestion and cutting travel times.
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
"It's fantastic to see work start to upgrade the Tumbi Road intersection, which is one of the most congested on the Central Coast Highway.
"This upgrade will improve journey times and reliability for the 26,000 motorists who use this section of road every day.
"This day has been a long time coming and I'm delighted to be part of a Labor government that is delivering for the people of the Central Coast."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Central Coast David Harris:
"This upgrade will benefit all local road users, whether they are driving, walking, riding or using public transport.
"This work will make journeys safer and quicker, which is good news for residents, local businesses and transport operators.
"It's good news for the local economy too, with the project to create about 125 jobs throughout the construction phase."
Quotes attributable to State Member for The Entrance David Mehan:
"This is a critical upgrade for communities across the Central Coast because the Central Coast Highway is a key regional link.
"It is absolutely fantastic see this work getting underway.
"All road users can look forward to reduced congestion and more reliable journeys."
