The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled a new and improved design for the Nelson Bay Road upgrade, delivering a smarter, more viable solution for Port Stephens locals.
Nelson Bay Road is a major corridor on the NSW east coast, connecting Newcastle, Newcastle Airport, Fern Bay and Nelson Bay. The 43-kilometre link carries more than 25,000 vehicles a day, with even higher volumes during peak holiday periods.
Informed by feedback from the Port Stephens community, the new design addresses the priorities and concerns raised by locals, improves access to Newcastle Airport, and optimises connectivity to the upgraded M1.
The three-stage plan includes a new four-lane road between Salt Ash and Bobs Farm and expands the project scope to include staged duplication between Fern Bay and Williamtown. It will also deliver immediate safety upgrades between Williamtown and Salt Ash. The safety improvements will start in 2027.
The new design reflects changing demand across the wider network, with the M1 to Raymond Terrace expected to ease pressure between Medowie and Richardson Roads, while growth around Newcastle Airport is expected to increase demand between Fern Bay and Williamtown.
The improved design replaces the former Liberal-National Government's proposal, a new road alignment from Bobs Farm to Williamtown, which Transport for NSW assessed as not feasible due to significant engineering, environmental and property complexity, accessibility constraints and cost.
The NSW and Australian Governments have committed $275 million towards the staged upgrade, with the new design to be formally submitted and reviewed by the Australian Government.
This project is part of a pipeline of major road investments being delivered by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments across the Hunter and Newcastle region. From M1 to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses to Nelson Bay Road, the Minns Labor Government is backing the Hunter and building the transport network to support the region's next phase of growth.
Duplication of Nelson Bay Road will be rolled out in the following priority stages:
Stage 1 - Salt Ash to Bobs Farm
A new 2.8-kilometre four-lane road between Salt Ash and Bobs Farm will improve traffic flow, travel times and safety along one of the busiest sections of the corridor. The new road will support traffic travelling to Port Stephens via Richardson Road, which is expected to grow as a key access route to Sydney and the M1 following the imminent completion of the M1 to Raymond Terrace Extension.
Stage 2 - Fern Bay to Williamtown
Planning and staged delivery will commence for the duplication of 8 kilometres of Nelson Bay Road between Fern Bay and Williamtown, increasing capacity and supporting growth around Newcastle Airport, and between Port Stephens, Fern Bay and Newcastle.
Stage 3 - Williamtown to Salt Ash
Short-term safety upgrades will be delivered while planning continues for the future duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Salt Ash, which has the lowest traffic volumes of the three sections. Some works will commence ahead of Stage 1 in 2027 to address community feedback, reduce crash risk and improve access.
For more information on the project, visit nswroads.work/nelsonbayroad
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"This considered plan for Nelson Bay Road delivers priority upgrades sooner, responds to local feedback and keeps the long-term duplication of the full corridor firmly in sight.
"The former Liberal-National Government's approach was never realistic, and it would have meant building through and dividing large portions of agricultural and sensitive land.
"We've taken a different path. One that improves connections to Newcastle Airport, strengthens links to the upgraded M1 and takes a staged approach that responds to what the community needs now, while planning for the growth ahead."
Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson said:
"Port Stephens has needed a better plan for Nelson Bay Road for a long time, and locals deserve to know these upgrades will genuinely serve their community.
"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to getting this right, a road shaped by local priorities, built to last for the long term."
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:
"The long running saga surrounding Nelson Bay Road upgrades are finally coming to an end.
"The former government's plan did not stack up. Our new and improved plan will work better for locals, visitors, our environment, and will see improvements much sooner."
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
"I am particularly excited by Stage 2 which will be a huge relief to both the increasing number of commuters heading to Newcastle as well as anyone getting off a plane heading south."
