Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow
Project overview
Transport for NSW is upgrading Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow to reduce the impact of flooding and improve connectivity.

Latest news
Nov 2022 - Project update
Transport for NSW has connected the new road alignment to the existing road. Motorists can now safely travel on the new higher road.
Motorists are asked to follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
Final completion of the project and site demobilisation is expected to take place in early 2023, weather permitting.
Project information
Background
Cessnock Road is an important regional transport route that connects the Maitland area with the Hunter Expressway and broader community.
The road is subject to flooding at Testers Hollow, which affects local residents, commuters and freight in the surrounding area. Severe weather events can close Cessnock Road, resulting in social, economic and maintenance costs.
The Australian Government has provided $15 million and the NSW Government has provided $2 million for the upgrade at Testers Hollow.
Benefits
The project will:
- reduce the frequency, duration and impact of flood events along Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow
- improve connectivity between the Maitland area, Hunter Expressway and broader community during flood events
- reduce flood-related social, economic and maintenance costs
- provide better conditions for on-road cyclists
- improve safety and reduce hazards.
Next steps
Final completion of the project and site demobilisation is expected to take place in early 2023, weather permitting.
Community information
Community engagement
We will continue working with the community and stakeholders during construction to understand issues and minimise potential impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- October 2022 frequently asked questions
Cessnock Road upgrade, Testers Hollow.
Project documents
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If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us.
Project updates
- October 2022 project update
Temporary closure of Cessnock Road, Testers Hollow from Friday 28 October to Monday 31 October.
- September 2022 project update
Recommencement of work following the July flood event.
- May 2022 project update
Update on proposed detour for Cessnock Road upgrade, Testers Hollow.
- March 2022 project update
Upcoming night work on Cessnock Road, Testers Hollow upgrade.
- March 2022 project update
Have your say - Proposed detour for Cessnock Road upgrade, Testers Hollow.
- November 2021 project update
Cessnock Road upgrade, Testers Hollow.
- June 2021 project update
Cessnock Road upgrade, Testers Hollow.
Community updates
- January 2022 community update
Night work on Cessnock Road, Testers Hollow upgrade from Monday 17 January 2022.
- November 2021 community update
Night work on Cessnock Road, Testers Hollow upgrade from Monday 29 November.
- August 2021 community update
Night work on Cessnock Road, Testers Hollow upgrade on Monday 16 August.
- October 2020 community update
Early work for Cessnock Road, Testers Hollow upgrade from Monday 12 October 2020.
- November 2019 community update
Submissions report online - Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow.
- August 2019 community update
Proposed upgrade of Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow.
Reports
- November 2019 submissions report
Cessnock road Upgrade at Testers Hollow.
Review of Environmental Factors
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Main report.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix A - Utilities located within the proposal area.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix B - Route options.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix C - Property acquisition.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix D - Consideration of clause 228(2) factors and matters of national environmental significance.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix E - Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment report.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix F - Non-Aboriginal heritage assessment.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix G - Statutory consultation checklists.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix H -Flood assessment.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix I - Biodiversity assessment.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix J - Noise and vibration assessment.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix K - Preliminary site investigation.
- August 2019 review of environmental factors report
Appendix L - Landscape character and visual assessment report.
Media releases
- 11 November 2021
Major Cessnock Road work restarts at Testers Hollow. - 1 June 2021
A safer, flood-resilient Cessnock Road on the way. - 24 November 2020
Shovels in ground to flood-proof Testers Hollow. - 15 August 2020
Contract awarded for upgrade of Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow.
Contact us
For further information about this project, please contact:
Phone: 1800 595 220
Email:TestersHollow@daracon.com.au