Funding for upgrades of road links to the Hunter Expressway – including Frame Drive – is on Cessnock City Council’s latest wish list for the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.
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The total amount of funds available through the program is $50 million, with projects of regional or sub-regional significance to be considered.
Council estimates it will cost $15.3 million to upgrade Gingers Lane, Frame Drive and Orange Street, Abermain to accommodate the increased traffic demand that has resulted since the Hunter Expressway opened in March 2014.
The other projects council will submit to the HIIF for consideration include Cessnock Airport infrastructure upgrade (estimated at $6.95 million), Cessnock CBD Masterplan implementation (approximately $2.5 million), and cycleway projects from Cessnock to the Hunter Expressway and Greta to Branxton ($4.6 million and $2 million respectively).
Council has also applied to the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program for the replacement of Frame Drive Bridge and associated roadworks.
A council spokesperson said funding may still be available through the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for upgrades to the road links as a result of the opening of the Hunter Expressway.
“RMS is undertaking traffic counts and traffic modelling at the Hart Road interchange with council expecting a report back by the end of September on the results,” the spokesperson said.
“Road safety audits have also been completed on Frame Drive, Gingers Lane and Government Road – including sections of First Street, Cessnock Road and Station Street.
“There are also route plan investigations currently underway in Weston.”
