Construction on NSW Hillsborough Road Upgrade a step closer to commencing

Major works to upgrade Hillsborough Road in New South Wales are a step closer to commencing as the State Government commits $35 million towards the project. 

In addition, AECOM Australia has been appointed to undertake detailed design for Stage 1 of the upgrade. 

“This is a huge win for the 36,000 motorists who use Hillsborough Road daily. 

“The NSW Government congratulates AECOM Australia for being awarded the tender on this project, which will improve safety, reduce congestion and remove daily bottlenecks. 

“Once the upgrade is complete, it’s expected road users will save up to four minutes in travel time during the morning and afternoon peaks,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

The significant investment will deliver upgrades to a 1.8-kilometre stretch of the road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication west of Crockett Street. 

The first stage will also involve upgrading Crockett Street intersection, including the installation of traffic lights and duplication of 700 metres of the road at this location. 

Construction on Stage 1 is anticipated to begin in 2025 and will take about 18 months to complete, subject to final staging arrangements. 

“This is the first step towards making life better for Hunter motorists, cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Charlestown and Warners Bay. 

“These are major Hunter communities that deserve the best infrastructure and that’s exactly what the NSW Government is delivering. 

“This $35 million total upgrade will mean less time on the road for thousands of drivers every day,” Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said. 

Upgrades to Hillsborough Road are part of the New South Wales Government’s ongoing commitment to set regional communities up for the future while also improving safety on regional, rural and remote roads, reducing travel times and increasing productivity. 

The full Hillsborough Road upgrade will include: 

• Duplication of about 1.8 kilometres of the road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout to the existing duplication west of Crockett Street 
• Two lanes in each direction separated by a raised median 
• Posted speed limit of 60 km/h 
• New traffic lights at the Chadwick Street, Barker Avenue and Crockett Street intersections including pedestrian crossings 
• Modification to Higham Road with left turn out only 
• U-turn bay on Barker Avenue 
• New separated left in and left out exit for access to the Combined Newcastle Canine Club showgrounds 
• Left in and left out only access from existing business and residences fronting Hillsborough Road east of the Combined Newcastle Canine Club showgrounds 
• On-road provision for cyclists in both directions and an off-road shared path on the northern side of Hillsborough Road for both cyclists and pedestrians 
• Upgraded bus stop facilities on Hillsborough Road near the Crockett Street and Chadwick Street intersections and on Crockett Street 

Timing for the delivery of the remaining stages of the upgrade is still subject to project approvals and further funding. 

“This is an important step in getting the Hillsborough Road upgrade signed, sealed and delivered. 

“The new upgrade will not only improve local traffic flow, it will also be safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. 

“I know this is something the community has been asking for, so this is a fantastic first step in delivering this very important project,” Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Statements; Transport for NSW (1, 2)