A call for road redesign at Testers Hollow

Published on 21 July 2022

Cessnock City Council is calling on the NSW Government to consider redesigning the new road at Testers Hollow, following the closure of the road for more than two weeks due to flooding.

Council unanimously decided at Wednesday’s meeting to write to Transport for NSW (TfNSW), the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, and the NSW Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison requesting they consider amending the new road design for Testers Hollow to make it flood free by raising the road height, given the current height was below the recent flood level.

Due to the increase in population and traffic growth, Council will also request that tfNSW keep the current road at Testers Hollow open to provide four-lane access (two each way), with the ability to run contra flow on the new road in future flood events.

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said there is a need to reassess the flood mitigation options at Testers Hollow due to the increased pressure predicted for this major transport link.

“With significant housing developments planned for the region, and increased population growth, it is essential that infrastructure matches the development for our fast-growing community,” said Mayor Suvaal.

Council is also calling on TfNSW to take on Buchanan Road / Mount Vincent Road as a State road.

“Buchanan Road / Mount Vincent Road has increased in traffic volumes since the opening of the Hunter Expressway, as well as it now being the main route to the new Maitland Hospital, and it should meet the requirements of a State road.”

Due to the fact these issues affect both Cessnock and Maitland LGA residents, Cessnock City Council plans to arrange a joint delegation with Maitland City Council to meet with the Minister to discuss.