Construction begins on Wollombi Road Upgrade

Published on 25 February 2025

Cessnock City Council has commenced construction on its largest ever road project, the much-anticipated $34 million Wollombi Road upgrade.

Funded through the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and development contributions, Council is set to deliver a 2.9km upgrade of Wollombi Road between Abbotsford Street, Bellbird, and West Avenue, Cessnock, as well as a new intersection at Bellbird North.

A recent $22.1 million funding commitment by the Commonwealth through the Housing Support Program, Community Enabling Infrastructure Program, will enable the upgrades to extend all the way to Allandale Rd, including important intersection upgrades at Mount View Road, fully unlocking the Bellbird North Urban Release Area.

In an example of cross-government collaboration, Council has also worked closely with Hunter Water to align planned water main improvements, which will be completed alongside the road upgrades. 

Cessnock City Council Director of Works & Infrastructure Paul McLachlan expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

"The Wollombi Road upgrade is a transformative project for our LGA that will not only improve safety and traffic flow but also support the growing needs of our community," said Mr McLachlan.

"I’d like to thank our funding partners and the community for their input in shaping this essential upgrade."

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government has invested $16.8 million towards the transformative road project through the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.

"Wollombi Road’s significant upgrade will reduce congestion, boost traffic flow and improve safety for Cessnock’s growing community," Mr Scully said.

"This investment will enable the accelerated release of future residential development within the Bellbird North Urban Release Area to support 3,375 new homes."

Council has appointed Symal, a trusted construction contractor with a proven track record in delivering major road projects, to lead the first stage of the works, which are scheduled for completion in late 2026.

For more information about the project, please visit the project page here.