Cessnock and Singleton councils received joint funding for the project through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, which supports regional communities affected by mining by addressing infrastructure constraints.

The first stage of the project will extend the recently completed Broke Road works north to the Hermitage Road intersection.

Cessnock City Council’s design delivery manager Katrina Kerr said the first stage works will involve widening to provide an on-road cycleway, a new pavement and road surface.

“This project will improve road safety for people travelling into and out of wine country, linking seamlessly with the recently completed Broke Road West works,” Ms Kerr said.

Work on Broke and Hermitage roads is expected to be completed in mid-2016, with design already underway for the second stage of works on Hermitage Road.

This joint project includes an upgrade for the full length of Hermitage Road and the intersection with Broke Road, on-road cycleways and installation of tourist facilities including signage and rest areas.