Cessnock Road at Testers Hollow

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.

The project and site demobilisation was completed in early 2023.

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.

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.

Final completion of the project and site demobilisation is expected to take place in early 2023, weather permitting.

We will continue working with the community and stakeholders during construction to understand issues and minimise potential impacts.

• October 2022 frequently asked questions

  Cessnock Road upgrade, Testers Hollow.

• 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.

• 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.

• November 2019 submissions report

  Cessnock road Upgrade at Testers Hollow.

• 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.

• 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.