newy.com.au – Site investigations for a long-awaited westbound flyover at Maitland’s Cessnock Road roundabout will begin on Monday, advancing a $100 million highway upgrade.

Transport for NSW will carry out geotechnical testing and detailed surveys on and around the New England Highway intersection for up to three months, weather permitting.

The work will examine the road surface, drainage and ground conditions, as well as identify underground services. Its findings will help shape the final design and confirm the cost of the proposed flyover.

The Australian government has committed $100 million to fully fund the upgrade, which is intended to carry westbound New England Highway traffic over the roundabout. An eastbound flyover was completed about a decade ago, leaving westbound motorists to continue through the intersection.

The roundabout is a key connection between Maitland, Cessnock and surrounding growth areas. The proposed upgrade is expected to reduce congestion and improve travel times for commuters and freight traffic, while supporting residential development along the Maitland-Cessnock corridor.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the investigation work was an important step, but acknowledged planning was still under way.

“These investigations are a critical first step to inform the future design of the proposed westbound flyover which will help confirm costs of the project as it progresses,” she said.

The governments have not announced when major construction will begin or how long the upgrade would take to complete.

NSW Roads Minister and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said the westbound flyover was overdue and the state government wanted construction to begin as soon as possible.

“This work will help inform the design of this important upgrade, which will improve traffic flow and help reduce congestion at one of Maitland’s busiest intersections,” she said.

Survey and investigation work will generally take place from 7am to 5pm on weekdays. Some night work may be required between 6pm and 6am from Sunday to Thursday, with no work scheduled on public holidays.

Transport for NSW said it would continue consulting residents and other stakeholders as planning progressed.