The Central Coast Highway provides an important connection between Gosford and The Entrance and also between the beach suburbs and the hinterland. The section of highway between Carlton Road and Ocean View Drive is 4.4km long, has one lane in each direction and is used up to 28,000 vehicles each day.

The Central Coast Highway has congestion issues and safety concerns. There are crashes along the highway and the flow of traffic is slow during peak periods.

In March 2007, the NSW Government announced the upgrade of the Central Coast Highway to a four lane divided road, with improved pedestrian and public transport facilities, between Carlton Road and Ocean View Drive.

This project is fully funded by the NSW Government.

This upgrade is being constructed in two stages:

• The stage one upgrade (Carlton Road to Matcham Road) runs from the Carlton Road intersection through to the Matcham Road intersection (2.2km in length).
• The stage two upgrade (Matcham Road to Ocean View Drive) runs from the Matcham Road intersection to the Ocean View Drive intersection (2.2km in length).

What has happened so far?

Stage one of the upgrade between Carlton Road and Matcham Road, Erina Heights was allocated $18 million to continue construction in 2011 – 2012 budget, and this work is well underway.
Stage two of the upgrade between Matcham Road, Erina Heights and Ocean View Drive, Wamberal was allocated $20 million in the 2011 – 2012 budget to continue with drainage, major earthworks and pavement construction.

The adjoining sections of the Central Coast Highway to the south (Terrigal Drive to Carlton Road) and to the north (Ocean View Drive to Tumbi Road) have been widened to four lanes.

There have been major improvements in traffic flow and safety performance on these sections.

The Central Coast Highway upgrade has been developed in a way that is both ecologically sensitive and achieves the best overall outcome for the whole community.

Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) recognises the importance of addressing environmental, social, engineering and cost factors while continuing to provide for future transport needs.

To view the latest community information please view the Project documents page.