In a boost for motorists throughout the Upper Hunter, work is starting on a major $6.3 million upgrade to Wybong Road.

The critical regional corridor at Sandy Hollow, 33 kilometres west of Muswellbrook, carries approximately 1,800 vehicles each day.

It also plays an important role in connecting local communities, freight operators and industry.

Once the project’s complete, Wybong Road will feature a wider carriageway and significantly-improved flood immunity, reducing closures and maintaining access during severe weather events.

Key works include widening and reshaping the road, installing a new box culvert across Pheeneys Creek, barriers, and upgraded line marking and signage to improve safety for all road-users.

“For those living and working in Denman, Merriwa and the surrounding rural areas, these thoroughfares aren’t optional extras,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“They are part of everyday life, linking people to jobs, schools, services and each other.

“Some of the Hunter’s most picturesque and proudly regional communities are joined by stretches of road that have been neglected for far too long.

“That puts pressure on families, businesses and farmers who rely on them daily.”

Construction began this month.

During the day, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place under stop/go traffic control.

At night, both lanes remain open with a reduced speed of 60km/h.

However, a road closure is scheduled for Wybong Road after Easter for 13 weeks with a permanent detour along Reedy Creek Road.

Work, expected to be completed by July, will be carried out between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, as well as every second weekend.

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in regional and rural road networks to deliver stronger, more resilient infrastructure that keeps communities connected,” NSW Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal added.

“Because Wybong Road carries about 1,800 vehicles daily, including heavy freight, this upgrade is a significant win for local residents, industry and the broader Upper Hunter economy.

“By improving flood resilience and reliability, this project will help ensure communities can stay connected during severe weather events.”

Meanwhile, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is undertaking other projects throughout the Hunter.

M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace

Construction continues along the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace this week.

• Work will take place on Monday 9 March, from 6pm to 6am, on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the Pacific Highway, requiring a temporary lane closure and a reduced speed limit from 80 km/h to 40 km/h on the northbound and 70 km/hr to 40 km/h on the southbound between Richardson Road and Masonite Road
• Westbound New England Highway traffic will be diverted onto eastbound lanes at Tarro on the nights of Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March between 7pm and 5am. During this time there, there’ll be no access to Anderson Drive from the New England Highway westbound
• Southbound M1 Pacific Motorway traffic will be diverted onto the northbound lanes of the M1 at the John Renshaw Drive /Weakleys Drive intersection on the nights of Thursday 12 March and Friday 13 March between 7pm and 5am while the project team undertakes asphalt work. During this time there will be no access to Lenaghans Drive from the southbound lanes of the M1
• Residents of Black Hill are advised that access to this area will be available via Black Hill Road off John Renshaw Drive, or Woodford Street off Newcastle Link Road

Work resumes across the project from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 8am to 5pm on Saturday; and from 7pm to 5am Monday to Friday nights.

It’ll also require lane closures with intermittent stoppages and temporary speed reductions to 40km/h at the following locations and times:

From 7pm to 5am, on the nights of Sunday 8 March until Friday 13 March

• M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and Black Hill
• John Renshaw Drive at Beresfield
• New England Highway at Tarro
• Pacific Highway at Tomago and Heatherbrae

From 7am to 5pm, Monday 9 March until Friday 13 March

• Lenaghans Drive at Black Hill
• Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
• New England Highway Eastbound at Tarro

Mandalong Road and Dora Street, Morisset

Road investigations for the Mandalong Road Upgrade project will take place along Mandalong Road and Dora Street, Morisset.

To minimise any impacts, it’ll be carried out from now, between 6pm to 5am, for up to five nights.

Shoulder closures, intermittent single lane closures and contraflow as required, traffic control and a 40km/h speed limit are operational, which may affect travel times.

Anzac Parade, Toronto

Maintenance is planned on Anzac Parade between Main Road and Day Street, Toronto.

Lake Macquarie City Council will carry out the work on behalf of TfNSW, which includes asphalt resurfacing.

To minimise any impacts, it’s scheduled from now – between 8pm to 5am – Sunday to Thursday over six nights.

Traffic control including a single lane closure, alternating stop/slow and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and road-users.

Operators of OSOM vehicles are advised to call ahead on UHF channel 21 to be escorted through the site.

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