City of Newcastle is set to invest more than $50 million into Wallsend during the next five years as part of a long-term vision to upgrade roads, reduce flood risks and create safer, more connected active transport links.

The multi-year program will provide a host of benefits including improving traffic flow through road upgrades and widening Minmi Road, flood mitigation, new footpaths and improved public amenities.

The first stage of the Minmi Road Western Corridor widening project starts this week, with the installation of a single-lane roundabout at the busy intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street. This will improve traffic flow during peak periods and ease congestion, reduce bottlenecks, and increase safety for all road users while the Minmi Road Western Corridor works are underway.

Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said the projects will enhance key community infrastructure in the heart of the growing western suburbs.

“We are committed to delivering projects that not only benefit the community now but also pave the way for future progress as our city continues to grow,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle’s western suburbs have experienced strong population increases during the past decade, with the Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi area growing by around 46 per cent and Wallsend and Shortland rising by more than 20 per cent since the 2011 Census.

“Our long-term plans for Wallsend recognise the needs of this booming population centre and reinforce our commitment to maintaining and enhancing its essential community infrastructure.

“This includes road and bridge upgrades to alleviate traffic congestion, creating safer and more accessible cycling and pedestrian pathways, as well as enhancing flood mitigation measures to bolster Wallsend’s resilience to storm events.

“These upgrades in Wallsend will benefit both businesses and residents by delivering a safer, more attractive place to visit, shop, dine, and meet with friends.”

The dual-lane road upgrades at Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue are currently in the detailed design phase, with works planned to commence next year.

To improve traffic flow both ahead of and during the construction of these major upgrades, a series of associated traffic changes are also planned, with Councillors to vote on the outcomes of the recent public exhibition at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Other highlights of the five-year program include bridge renewal projects at Boscawen, Cowper and Nelson streets to help reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD. This will be complemented by the ongoing rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek to ensure the waterway and floodplain behave in more predictable ways during major flood and rain events.

IMAGE | Councillor Deahnna Richardson, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Acting CEO David Clarke, Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle staff at the site of the new roundabout, which is one of the projects being delivered in Wallsend during the five-year, $50 million program of work.