Detailed design contract awarded for $76m Mandalong Road upgrades

Safer and more reliable journeys on Mandalong Road at Morisset will soon be a reality as the contract to develop the detailed design for road upgrades has been awarded to GHD Pty Ltd. 

Jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, the $76 million project will deliver upgrades to Mandalong Road and Dora Street, between Gimberts Road and Ourimbah Street. 

“Mandalong Road provides crucial access to residents in the southern Lake Macquarie area. 

“Frustrated locals have requested urgent action on Mandalong Road for years. I’m pleased this Government is getting on with the job and giving this project the priority it deserves. 

“This upgrade will help to ensure the road network can better cater for the growing population and increased business activity, forecast for the coming decades,” Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said. 

Key features of the project include: 

• Upgrading the Mandalong Road/Freemans Drive/Dora Street/Wyee Road intersection, including: 

• • Replacing the existing roundabout with new traffic lights 

• • Providing additional through and turning lanes on all approaches of the intersection 

• • Providing a central raised median on all approaches of the intersection 

• Providing active transport connections, including: 

• • A shared user path along the length of the proposal on Mandalong Road and Dora Street 

• • A shared user path on the eastern side of Wyee Road 

• • A footpath on the north-eastern corner of Dora Street and Freemans Drive 

• Providing two new bus stop facilities on Dora Street 

The awarding of the contract follows the approval of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) earlier this year. 

The detailed design stage of the project will involve further geotechnical and survey investigations, development of detailed engineering drawings and reports, and construction specifications for project delivery. 

Feedback from more than 200 responses received during the consultation on the preferred design last year will continue to be taken into consideration as the project progresses. 

Transport for NSW will also continue engaging with key stakeholders through this phase of the project, which is anticipated to take about 12 to 18 months. 

Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, subject to approvals, procurement and release of funding. 

“Replacing the roundabout with traffic lights will improve safety and journey reliability for all road users. 

“Mandalong Road is used by thousands of motorists every day and this upgrade will ensure they can get around the region more quickly and easily, as well as providing better access to Morisset Business Park,” Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said. 

Source: Transport for NSW (1, 2)