Contract signed for first stage of Hillsborough Road upgrade

17 March 2026

This is the western end of the upgrade where eastbound motorists merge into a single lane.

newy.com.au – Work on the long-awaited Hillsborough Road upgrade at Lake Macquarie is set to begin after the contract was signed for the first stage of the project, which is expected to benefit about 36,000 motorists a day.

Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the Crockett Street stage one upgrade, which will include new traffic lights at the intersection and the duplication of 700 metres of Hillsborough Road.

The NSW Government is investing $35 million in the first stage, which forms part of a broader plan to upgrade the full 1.8-kilometre stretch of Hillsborough Road between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass roundabout and the existing duplication west of Crockett Street.

Early site establishment is due to begin in April, with major construction expected to start in May 2026. The work is expected to take about 18 months to complete, depending on staging arrangements.

Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the contract signing marked a major step forward for the project. “This is a big milestone for the Hillsborough Road upgrade and fantastic news for the 36,000 motorists who rely on this road every day,” she said.

Ms Aitchison said the upgrade would address long-standing congestion issues on the busy corridor. “After years of congestion and frustration for local drivers, we’re getting on with the job of delivering real upgrades that make a difference,” she said.

She said the government was focused on delivering road improvements in growing communities. “The Minns Labor Government is focused on investing in the infrastructure growing communities like Lake Macquarie need – safer roads, better connections and smoother journeys.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said Hillsborough Road was a critical route for people travelling to, from and around Lake Macquarie, while Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said residents had been waiting for work to begin on the upgrade.

Transport for NSW consulted the community on the concept design and environmental assessment in 2022, with a submissions report published in August 2023. The upgrade is aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and access through one of the region’s busiest corridors.