Consultation begins for the $130m Avoca Drive upgrade at Kincumber

Residents in New South Wales’ Central Coast are invited to have their say on the proposed safety and efficiency improvement options for the much-awaited Avoca Drive upgrade at Kincumber. 

The proposed upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $100 million and $30 million respectively. 

“This upgrade will help reduce congestion and deliver improved safety on a critical stretch of road used by around 26,000 vehicles a day. 

“Projects like this are part of our plan to help take the pressure off Central Coast commuters and make it easier for everyone to get around this beautiful region,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“Locals have long been frustrated with the traffic hold-ups during peak periods through Kincumber and now we’re finally seeing the upgrade plan progress. 

“I encourage community members to take a look at what’s been proposed and have their say about what will be best for our region,” NSW Central Coast Minister David Harris said. 

Feedback is being sought for the current key features of the overall project design, including building two lanes in each direction on Avoca Drive between Boora Boora Road and Joalah Road as well as a proposed new roundabout at the intersection of Bungoona Road and Kincumber Street to improve access. 

There are two options for the key intersection of Bungoona and Carrak roads, including split traffic signals at the Willesee Crescent intersection. 

“The Avoca Drive upgrade is part of the NSW and Federal Labor Governments’ plan to build even better communities and improve critical transport links right across regional NSW. 

“Whether it’s the Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection upgrade or Avoca Drive, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are getting the Central Coast moving again,” NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

Subject to further changes influenced by future environmental assessments and community consultation, the current key features of the overall project design include: 

• Providing two lanes in each direction on Avoca Drive between Boora Boora Road and Joalah Road 

• Alternate options for replacing the existing roundabout at the Bungoona Road / Carrack Road intersection with traffic signals and other changes 

• Intersection safety and efficiency improvements, including: 

• • Converting Boora Boora Road to right in, left in and left out movements only 

• • Converting Island View Drive to left in / left out only 

• • Upgrading the Algona Avenue intersection to traffic signals 

• • Upgrading the Tilba Street / Gunya Road intersection to traffic signals 

• • Converting Davies Street to left in / left out only 

• Provision of a new local roundabout at the intersection of Bungoona Road and Kincumber Street for the provision of improved accessibility both during and after construction of the project 

• Removing mid-block pedestrian signals and crossing along Avoca Drive, with pedestrian crossings to be included at all new signalised intersections 

• Removing on-street parking along Avoca Drive to allow for road widening 

• Providing an on-road cycleway along the length of Avoca Drive 

• Upgrading active transport connections, including provision of shared pathways along the length of Avoca Drive 

• Upgraded bus stop facilities 

This project is going to be delivered in stages, and the first stage priority will be consistent with the overall design development in this section of Avoca Drive. 

Transport for NSW team members will be hosting drop-in sessions at Kincumber Library to discuss the upgrade options with the community on 6 August from 9.30 to 11.30am and 4.30 to 6.30pm. 

Interested parties can also have their say through an online survey until 25 August 2024. 

Following the consultation period, Transport for NSW will finalise the preferred design of the Avoca Drive upgrades and progress required environmental assessments needed to enable the priority first stage of construction to begin. 

“I’m pleased to see the Avoca Drive upgrade project progressing and I encourage everyone to share their ideas so we can get work happening as soon as possible. 

“When complete this upgrade will make a huge difference in our community and the whole of the Central Coast will be an easier place to get around for locals and to visit for tourists. 

“I made a commitment to the people of the Central Coast that I would secure funding to upgrade Avoca Drive through Kincumber, I welcome the next step for this project,” Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said. 

“We are excited to involve Central Coast residents in shaping the long-awaited Avoca Drive upgrade at Kincumber. 

“With $130 million from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments aimed at improving safety and reducing travel times, community input is crucial – I urge everyone to take advantage of the drop-in sessions to get your questions answered,” NSW Labor Spokesperson for Terrigal Mark Buttigieg said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Infrastructure Magazine