$130m Avoca Drive Upgrade is a step closer to beginning construction

The $130 million Avoca Drive Upgrade between Boora Boora Road and Joalah Road at Kincumber, New South Wales is a step closer to beginning construction as it marks new project milestones. 

AECOM has been awarded the major contract to develop the concept design and environmental assessment for the project. In addition, a report has been released following community consultation. 

These are critical steps towards developing plans for future upgrades on Avoca Drive, which will include identifying the priority first stage of the upgrade to be delivered. 

“We know there is strong community interest in this upgrade, with 337 submissions received in response to the community consultation. 

“Avoca Drive is a key east-west link that is used by around 26,000vehicles per day and this upgrade will deliver improved safety and more reliable journey times. 

“AECOM will now progress the design and environmental assessment of this important project, which will improve safety and efficiency through Kincumber,” Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said. 

Last year, the community was asked to provide feedback on a number of options and recommendations to improve Avoca Drive. This included two design options for traffic lights at the intersection of Bungoona and Carrak roads, which is seen as a key constraint along Avoca Drive. 

Transport for NSW is now progressing the design option for a single set of traffic signals at Bungoona Road and Carrak Road intersection thanks to the help of the Central Coast community. This option was supported by 85 per cent of online survey respondents. 

“The Central Coast community has made a strong contribution to the Avoca Drive project consultation process. 

“In particular, their feedback has helped to shore up the options for intersection upgrades and traffic signals. 

“We look forward to their continuing participation, with further consultation to take place as the proposed design progresses to help ensure the project delivers the improvements needed,” Ms Zycki said. 

Transport for NSW will carry out further investigations as well as consultation with key stakeholders to help refine the design and complete the environmental impact assessment (Review of Environmental Factors or REF). 

The concept design and REF are expected to be displayed for community stakeholder feedback in 2026. 

Improvement works to Avoca Drive will be prioritised in line with available funding, which means the project would be delivered in stages. The priority first stage, that is yet to be identified will be delivered within the committed $130 million investment. 

Construction timeframes have not been confirmed and would depend on planning approvals. 

The project team will keep the community informed as the project progresses. 

The proposed key features of the overall strategic design for the project 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 / Carrak 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 crossings 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 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia