Construction contract awarded for Central Coast Hwy intersection upgrade

Daracon Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the $65.5 million Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection upgrade in New South Wales, taking the project a step closer to commencing major construction activities. 

This intersection upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, each contributing $52.4 million and $13.1 million respectively. 

“This project was promised and talked about for years by the Liberals and Nationals – Labor is delivering it. 

“This upgrade will be a win for the thousands of motorists, visitors and industry who use this critical piece of infrastructure each day. 

“The Australian and NSW Governments are committed to building the important infrastructure we need to serve our communities now and into the future,” NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said. 

“It’s great that the contract has now been awarded and the upgrade of this important intersection can get underway. 

“Preparations for the work have already been made, so I’m looking forward to seeing construction workers on site in the weeks ahead. 

“I’m sure Central Coast road users will be okay to deal with whatever short-term disruptions may be needed to get this project done,” NSW Central Coast Minister David Harris said. 

Key features of the Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection upgrade include: 

• Replacing the existing intersection roundabout with traffic lights 

• Widening the Central Coast Highway north of the intersection to two lanes each direction 

• Providing two right turn lanes out of Tumbi Road onto the highway southbound 

• Lengthening the left turn lane into Tumbi Road from the northbound lanes of the highway 

• Providing a right turn lane into Tumbi Road from the southbound lanes of the highway 

• New and upgraded footpaths and shared paths 

• Providing a u-turn bay in front of Pacific Garden Hotel for southbound traffic 

• Providing an interim transition back to the existing arrangements at the northern limit of works, near Forresters Beach Garden Centre 

• Relocating two existing bus stops to a common location northbound on the Central Coast Highway north of the intersection 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

Construction will begin in mid-2025, taking about two years to complete. 

Once open to traffic, the upgraded intersection will improve traffic flow and safety on the Central Coast Highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay. 

This project is anticipated to create more than 100 full-time equivalent jobs across planning, design and construction. 

“The Central Coast Highway-Tumbi Road intersection is a bottleneck, I’m pleased that work can now begin on this important upgrade to improve safety and ease congestion. 

“The project is expected to create 125 jobs throughout the construction phase,” Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said. 

“I welcome the news that the Central Coast Highway and Tumbi Road intersection upgrade is progressing. 

“Our community can expect a safer and smoother journey through this intersection once complete. 

“I thank our community for their patience during the planning process and for their feedback,” Federal member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid MP said. 

“Central Coast motorists can look forward to fewer delays and queuing, and improved traffic flow at this intersection, once this work is complete. 

“The upgrade of a crucial intersection on a key artery will also deliver better safety and reliability for all road users, whether they are driving, walking, cycling or on public transport,” State Member for the Entrance David Mehan said. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)