New England Highway - Maitland westbound upgrade
Project overview
The Australian and NSW Governments are investing in an upgrade to the New England Highway, westbound at the Cessnock Road roundabout in Maitland.
Latest news
July 2025 - Project update
Transport for NSW is carrying out investigation work to review options for upgrades.
For more information view the July 2025 project update (PDF, 380.12 KB).
Project information
Background
In 2025 the Federal government announced $100 million in funding for the project.
Further to the Draft Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), Transport for NSW identified this intersection as part of its five-year plan to improve traffic conditions on Main Road/ Cessnock Road between Kurri Kurri and Maitland.
In the Draft Hunter SRITP, Transport identified that the Maitland to Cessnock corridor will see a significant increase in dwellings and employment in coming years, which will lead to increased traffic volumes.
Traffic modelling indicated that this project will improve the north south connection between Cessnock and Maitland and improve local congestion in the Maitland area.
In 2019, initial improvements to the Cessnock Road roundabout were completed, including the installation of traffic lights to ease westbound queueing.
Transport for NSW is working with the Federal Government to expedite the construction of an overpass to improve this important intersection.
Key benefits
The upgrade would:
- improve current and future traffic flows by easing congestion
- provide more reliable travel times for motorists
- make travel easier for families and business
- improve safety for all road users
- provide better movement of freight
- support housing growth along the Maitland to Cessnock corridor.
The project will also incorporate active and public transport from Maitland Station to residential and industrial areas.
Next steps
Transport will continue early investigations and planning to develop a proposed option for community consultation.
Timing for construction is not confirmed and would likely be delivered in stages consistent with available funding.
Transport will keep the community informed and liaise with key stakeholders as planning and investigations continue.
Contact us
For further information about this project, please contact:
Phone: 1800 684 490
Email: projects@transport.nsw.gov.au