Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is planning an upgrade of Nelson Bay Road from Bobs Farm to Anna Bay.

The upgrade would involve reconstructing the existing carriageway and constructing a second carriageway between Cromarty Lane and Port Stephens Drive roundabout, Anna Bay.

The NSW Government has allocated funding from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund in 2011/2012 for preconstruction activities, including property acquisition and utility adjustments.

Background

Nelson Bay Road is a State Road and is the main arterial link connecting Newcastle to Williamtown and the Tomaree Peninsula. It carries a large volume of local and tourist traffic visiting the Nelson Bay area and is the only route servicing the Tomaree Peninsula and the various townships between Newcastle and Nelson Bay.

This project is the final stage and longest section (4.2 kilometres in length) of the upgrade of Nelson Bay Road to dual carriageway from Bobs Farm to Anna Bay (total length 6.8 kilometres).

Benefits of the proposal:

• Improved safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Better bays for bus passengers.
• Reduced traffic delays.
• More reliable travel times for motorists using this section of Nelson Bay Road.

Features

The upgrade would include:

• Constructing a second carriageway between Cromarty Lane and Port Stephens Drive roundabout, Anna Bay.
• Reconstructing the existing carriageway.
• Landscaped median to separate opposing traffic.
• Ten upgraded bus bays.
• New u-turn facilities to provide safe access to properties along the route.

What happens next?

RMS is currently acquiring property for the project and is planning adjustments to utilities such as telecommunications, electricity and water.

RMS is continuing the development of the Nelson Bay Road upgrade from Cromarty Lane to Port Stephens Drive at Bobs Farm.

RMS expects to be ready to call tenders for construction later this year.