The $41 million Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue upgrade in Wallsend has passed the halfway point, with the City of Newcastle (CN) project on track to be finished by Christmas.
The venture, one of the largest funded by council, is designed to ease congestion through the western corridor while supporting future population growth.
City of Newcastle interim executive manager project delivery Matthew Bennett said the work represented a long-term investment in the area.
“This is not just a road duplication project,” he stated.
“It’s a major, long-term investment in our western corridor.”
He said the massive undertaking extended beyond road widening.
“The project delivers new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure, watermain upgrades to improve water quality and security, and a comprehensive street garden program designed to reduce urban heat in the area,” Mr Bennett added.
“In addition, significant underground and foundation work has been completed to deliver additional benefits to the local community.”
Mr Bennett said upcoming works would shift across different sections of the corridor.
“In the coming weeks, you’ll see everything switch onto the northside of Minmi Road east of the Summerhill Road roundabout, and sections at both ends of Longworth Avenue, near Newcastle Road and Cowper Street, reach completion,” he explained.
Once complete, the project will have delivered more than 20,000 tonnes of asphalt, 5.2 kilometres of kerbing, 92 stormwater pits and 7,100 square metres of landscaping.
The project received $7.61 million from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and is expected to support development equivalent to about 3,000 homes.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the upgrade would improve traffic flow for commuters, too.
“It’s great to see it progressing,” he commented.
“It will deliver a tangible improvement to traffic flow for commuters travelling to and from the city.
“This project is paving the way for suburbs like Minmi and Fletcher to support more homes for people in the Newcastle region.”
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery admitted the project would deliver long-term benefits for locals.
“This is an exciting milestone as it will improve travel for thousands of people who drive through Wallsend every day.”
Ward Four councillors also welcomed the progress, including Callum Pull.
“These upgrades are the largest roadworks project we’ve ever delivered,” he said.
“So, it’s been great to see City of Newcastle and Daracon working in partnership with the Wallsend community and other agencies to minimise disruption.”
Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk thanked residents for their patience during construction.
“Roadworks of this scale of course don’t come without disruptions for neighbouring and nearby properties, so we’d like to extend thanks to the locals for their tolerance while City of Newcastle has been completing these essential upgrades,” she said.
Cr Deahnna Richardson added the project also included active transport improvements.
“In addition to widening the road, it’s fantastic to have active and public transport upgrades incorporated into the program, such as the shared cycleway and footpath that will run along Minmi Road,” she said.
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