Deaves Road upgrade under way at Mandalong as governments target flood closures and growth pressure

newy.com.au – A major resilience upgrade is underway on Deaves Road at Mandalong, with federal, state and local leaders saying the work will deliver a safer, stronger and more reliable transport link for one of Lake Macquarie’s fastest-growing areas.

The 2.1-kilometre project, between Crawford and Mandalong roads, is being funded through a joint investment by the Minns and Albanese Labor governments under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The work is aimed at addressing the flooding and drainage problems that have repeatedly forced the road to close during severe weather.

Lake Macquarie City Council is delivering the upgrade, which began with site set-up in mid-February and is expected to be completed and open to traffic in April 2027, weather permitting.

The project will involve reconstruction of the road pavement and installation of upgraded culverts designed to better manage heavy rainfall, with the goal of improving resilience during future storm events and reducing disruption for residents, businesses and emergency services.

Deaves Road links Mandalong, Cooranbong and Morisset and also serves as an important alternative route to the M1 Pacific Motorway. The route’s importance has grown alongside steady traffic increases and strong housing-driven population growth in south-western Lake Macquarie.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the work formed part of a broader push to strengthen roads after disaster events. “The Albanese and Minns Governments are working hard to deliver more resilient and safer roads for communities following disaster events,” she said.

She said the benefit would be felt when severe weather returns. “Projects like this one mean that when another severe weather event occurs, the impact on the community due to road closures is reduced.”

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said the road was heavily relied on by the surrounding communities. “Deaves Road is a critical link for families, tradies and businesses across Mandalong, Cooranbong and Morisset, and when it goes under, the whole community feels it,” he said.

“This upgrade is about getting ahead of the problem. By strengthening the pavement and improving drainage, we’re making sure this road can better handle heavy rain and keep people moving when it matters most.”

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the upgrade directly targeted the issues that had repeatedly affected the corridor. “Deaves Road has been impacted time and again by heavy rainfall and flooding, causing disruption for local families, businesses and emergency services. This upgrade tackles those issues head on, with improved drainage, upgraded culverts and a rebuilt pavement designed to better withstand extreme weather,” she said.

“This investment will help ensure Deaves Road can support the region’s growing population and increasing traffic, while standing up to the extreme weather events we know are becoming more frequent.”

NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said the repeated closures had been disruptive for Mandalong and Cooranbong residents. “We know how disruptive repeated road closures are for the Mandalong and Cooranbong communities. That’s why we are building back better to ensure Deaves Road is safer, stronger, and truly storm-ready,” she said.

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said demand on the route would continue to grow as the region’s population increased, while Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the project would deliver “a safer, stronger Deaves Road that the community can rely on – through the next storm and the next decade”.