Preferred route announced for $275m NSW Nelson Bay Road Upgrade

The $275 million Nelson Bay Road Upgrade in New South Wales is progressing well with the preferred route for the final section of the project already announced. 

The upgrade between Williamtown and Bobs Farm will involve building a new off-line route from Bobs Farm to Cabbage Tree Road roundabout. 

“When the community asked us to go back to the drawing board and investigate a third off-line option for the proposed upgrade, we did it because we know you only get one chance to build major infrastructure like this – and it’s great news that we did because that’s now been determined as the best outcome for the community. 

“The preferred option will make a big difference for locals and visitors alike, reducing travel time during peaks by up to six minutes and improving safety for the 25,000 motorists who use this busy stretch of road each day,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said. 

The Nelson Bay Road Upgrade is anticipated to create 570 jobs during its construction phase, which will commence in early 2022. 

Feedback from the community was crucial in the selection of the preferred route for the final section of the project. 

Preferred option (source: Transport for NSW)

The preferred option for the upgrade will include: 

• A fully off-line route that extends from Bobs Farm to Cabbage Tree Road at Williamtown 
• Two lanes in each direction, divided by a median and a mid-way link road connection to Salt Ash via Lemon Tree Passage roundabout 
• A mostly 100km/h posted speed limit with on-road provisions for cyclists 
• A roundabout intersection to connect the current Nelson Bay Road at Bobs Farm that is scheduled for construction in early 2022 
• Dedicated connection to Cabbage Tree roundabout at the southern end 
• Suitable access for sand mining operations 

“We originally set out to duplicate the existing Nelson Bay Road but based on the extensive feedback we’ve received – analysis of environmental, economic and social outcomes – I’m confident we’ve come up with the most effective solution. 

“We’ve chosen this as the preferred route for several reasons. It will significantly reduce travel time, have less impact on existing residents, reduce congestion and is easier to build compared to other proposed options,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said. 

Transport for NSW is ready to undertake the next step in the planning phase of the project, which includes concept design and environmental assessment for the preferred option. Once these have been completed, the community will then be invited again to provide their feedback. 

In September 2021, the contractor for Stage 1 of the Nelson Bay Road Upgrade between Williamtown and Bobs Farm was announced. You can read more about it here. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)