The upgrade includes:

• widening the New England Highway to provide a divided road with two lanes in each direction between Belford and the Golden Highway.
• replacing the existing right turn movement from the Golden Highway to the New England Highway with a flyover
• a roundabout on the Golden Highway with a connection to the New England Highway improves safety for motorists turning left onto the New England Highway towards Singleton and provides safer access to adjoining properties.

To see the project design, please view or download the project overview diagram (PDF, 1.02Mb).

The upgrade will:

• increase capacity and connectivity of the New England Highway and Golden Highway for the efficient and reliable movement of freight
• improve safety at the New England Highway and Golden Highway intersection by reducing the risk of crashes, particularly for motorists turning right from the Golden Highway
• increase capacity at the New England Highway and Golden Highway intersection to cater for the predicted increase in traffic movements due to future growth in the Hunter
• allow for access to existing and future adjoining land uses.

The Whittingham rest area adjacent to the New England Highway and Golden Highway intersection was permanently closed on Monday 3 February 2020 as part of the early work for the upgrade.

The nearby townships of Singleton and Branxton offer motorists an alternate place to stop with a range of amenities. Alternative rest areas are located:

• about 15 kilometres north on the New England Highway at Rixs Creek Road, north of Singleton
• about 10 kilometres south on the Hunter Expressway at Branxton (heavy vehicles only)
• about 40 kilometres south on the Hunter Expressway at Buchanan.

 For information about nearby rest area locations and facilities please visit rms.nsw.gov.au/restareas.

We will continue to keep stakeholders and the community informed as the project progresses. Work on the project is expected to be completed by late 2024, weather permitting.