One of the roughest rides in the Hunter Valley, Broke Road has been identified in the annual NRMA’s Seeing Red on Roads survey for a number of years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the road is well on its way to becoming a smoother cruise for drivers, with the third stage of the reconstruction project due to start soon.
Cessnock City Council was allocated a grant of $20 million from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund to be spent between 2011 and 2015 to improve the vineyard roads.
Construction works on Broke Road have been divided into three major projects: the first (near Lakes Folly) began in November 2011 and was completed in early 2013.
The second project – a 3.6 kilometre stretch from Harrigan’s Irish Pub towards Hermitage Road, was recently finished.
The new constructions feature an improved user safety by increased lane width, substantial drainage improvements, providing road shoulders while maintaining significant native eucalypts.
Council is now poised to start construction work to upgrade the intersection of Broke Road and McDonalds Road.
These works will involve the construction of dual roundabouts and reconstruction of the road approaches on Broke and McDonalds Roads.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said the works have contributed to the landscape of the vineyards.
“We’ve always wanted to undertake major work on this important stretch of road and it’s great to see the works completed for the use of visitors and vignerons alike,” Cr. Pynsent said.
The Nationals Duty MLC for Cessnock, Trevor Khan said the project is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver better roads for the Hunter wine region.
“Broke and McDonalds roads provide access to the Pokolbin vineyard area and this project will greatly improve safety and traffic flow through the intersection during peak times,” Mr. Khan said.
“The road carries tourist and vineyard traffic and is also heavily used by commuters travelling to mines to the north-west.”
The major upgrade will also include shoulder widening and a new cycle lane for the increasing number of people accessing the vineyards by bicycle.
The upgrade will be carried out by Cessnock City Council on weekdays between 6.30am and 6pm.
For the safety of motorists and workers, traffic will be reduced to one lane and a 40km/h speed limit will be enforced through the project.
The upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2015, weather permitting.
WORST ROAD NOMINATIONS CONTINUE
The intersection of McDonalds Road and Broke Road, Pokolbin was among the roads nominated by Advertiser readers this week as the worst road in the Cessnock local government area.
Other roads nominated this week include:
- Lomas Lane, Nulkaba
- Cruickshank Street, Bellbird
- Mount View Road, Cessnock
- Wollombi Road, Millfield
Where do you think Cessnock City Council should spend their roads renewal funding? Comment on this story below.