In the results announced on Tuesday, Broke, Wollombi and McDonalds Roads were named the three most frustrating roads in the Hunter.

Broke Road had placed second on the list two years running, but despite extensive road works, took out the top spot.

It came as no surprise to Cessnock Council that these well-worn, popular tourist routes were voted among the worst in the Hunter Region – but plans are in place to improve all three.

“We know changes need to be made, and are doing everything in our power to improve local roads,” Cessnock Mayor, Bob Pynsent said.

Work on Broke Road has been underway since 2011, with a $20 million grant from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund funding a four year works program.

Broke Road East, adjacent to Lake’s Folly, was the first section of the road to be fixed.

The recent focus has been Broke Road West – from Harrigan’s Irish Pub to Oakvale Winery – with a new road pavement and surface as well as substantial drainage improvements completed.

Reconstruction works have started on the intersection and road approaches on both McDonalds and Broke roads, scheduled for completion mid-2015.

“Two new roundabouts at the intersection of Broke and McDonalds roads will be a substantial new feature to improve safety as well as manage traffic for commuters, tourists and concert goers,” Cr. Pynsent said.

Wollombi Road is also centre stage with work scheduled to commence in the new year.

Surveying, as well as geotechnical and environmental assessments, have been completed ahead of the detailed design for reconstruction of a major section at Millfield.

Council is seeking all the funding it can for improvement works for Wollombi Road, including a recent application for significant funds in the recently announced NSW Government Resources for Regions funding program.

More than 12,000 NSW and ACT motorists took part in the Seeing Red on Roads survey, voting the Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour the state’s worst road.

Almost 95 per cent of survey complaints about Cessnock City Council were to do with poor road surface.

NRMA president Kyle Loades acknowledged that the work may be beyond the council’s means.

“We know there is a huge backlog of roadworks for local councils and they aren’t to blame as they simply don’t have the money to fix them,” Mr. Loades said.

“Once again, we call on governments to look at ways they can help local councils with funding local roads so they can be brought up to a satisfactory standard.”

Do you think this is justified? What do you think is the worst road in the Cessnock LGA? Comment below and let us know. 

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Also announced on Tuesday, Cessnock City Council will receive $759,719 for 2014-15 and $4,558,316 in total up to 2018-19 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams said the funding will help to build roads and repair streets based on local needs with no interference from Canberra.

Councils can lodge their applications in October which will allow payments to be made in November.