Work on Stage One of the Avoca Drive Upgrade is set to begin more than 18 months ahead of schedule, with the project given the green light to start construction before the end of 2026.
The project is backed by a $100 million investment from the Australian Government and $30 million from the NSW Government.
The major upgrade will tackle one of the Central Coast’s biggest congestion bottlenecks, delivering two lanes in each direction, intersection upgrades and better connections for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
A key east-west route on the Central Coast, Avoca Drive carries around 26,000 vehicles a day and provides access to Kincumber Village Shopping Centre, local schools, sporting facilities, businesses and community services.
Works on Stage One will start before the end of 2026, with construction expected to ramp up in early 2027.
The first stage will widen around one kilometre of Avoca Drive to two lanes in each direction between the Bungoona Road/Carrak Road and Joalah Road/Killuna Road intersections.
The upgrade will also include:
- upgrades to three intersections;
- new pedestrian crossings;
- improved walking and cycling connections;
- improved access to public transport; and
- a new roundabout at Bungoona Road and Kincumber Street to improve access to Kincumber Village Shopping Centre.
The priority first stage was selected to address congestion around the Kincumber town centre and connect with the existing four-lane section east of the Joalah Road/Killuna Road intersection.
Earlier this year, the community provided feedback on the proposal, which was considered as part of the environmental assessment and approval process.
The project has now cleared the approval process and is moving towards construction.
Delivery has been accelerated through the NSW Government’s Project Swift initiative, which progresses planning, design and procurement activities concurrently and seeks to remove duplication from infrastructure delivery processes.
The latest project timetable brings construction forward by more than 18 months.
Work is already progressing ahead of construction, with GHD Pty Ltd engaged to develop the detailed design and procurement for a construction contractor underway.
The NSW Government will also undertake further planning for future upgrades to Avoca Drive west of Kincumber.
The broader Avoca Drive upgrade has previously considered improvements between Boora Boora Road and Joalah Road, but the currently funded priority first stage focuses on the section between Bungoona Road/Carrak Road and Joalah Road/Killuna Road. Future upgrades west of the Kincumber town centre will require further investigation and planning.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Avoca Drive is a critical link used by thousands of Central Coast drivers every day. This upgrade will make these journeys quicker and safer and make it easier for locals to get around.
“With more and more people calling the Central Coast home, we’re making the investments in local infrastructure now, to help ease pressure on our roads in the future.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said:
“Avoca Drive is one of the Central Coast’s most frustrating traffic bottlenecks which is why the Albanese Government is investing $100 million to fix it.
“This transformative project will deliver much needed lane duplication, and vital active transport options, with work beginning before the end of 2026 and ramping up in 2027.”
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“This is a big win for the Central Coast, and it’s happened because the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are committed to delivering the best, and most impactful infrastructure for communities across our state.
“Avoca Drive is a notorious headache for locals, and once this upgrade is done, it’ll make a real difference to safety and congestion in the area.”
NSW Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
“Avoca Drive is a vital artery crucial to the lifeblood of the Central Coast which is why the Minns Labor Government is prioritising works to progress its upgrade.
“The community feedback received will play an important role in refining the design and ensuring the project meets the needs of local residents and road users.
“We look forward to seeing work get under way to improve safety and journey reliability for the growing number of motorists who use this road daily.”
Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said:
“This upgrade will mean safer roads, better traffic flow and more reliable journeys for the thousands of people who use Avoca Drive every day. It will make a real difference to families, workers, businesses and everyone who calls the Central Coast home.”
NSW Labor Candidate for Terrigal Sam Boughton said:
“Drivers on the Coast know all too well how frustrating it is navigating Avoca Drive when they’re heading to work, dropping the kids off at school or visiting the shops.
“It will make a real difference for drivers, and I look forward to seeing construction get underway by the end of the year.”
Be the first to comment