Thomas St, North Rothbury - Road and Drainage Upgrades

  • Project typeRoad and Drainage Improvements
  • Project scheduleMay 2025 - Mid 2026
  • Contractor nameKCE

Background

The existing road and drainage system is outdated, with uncontrolled stormwater runoff contributing to flooding during heavy rain. Additionally, the road pavement has deteriorated and requires reconstruction.

A Stage 1 upgrade was previously completed, which installed a piped stormwater system and drainage easement near Morgan Street. This next stage will complete the remaining works and provide long-term improvements for residents.

Scope of works

The works are for the full length of Thomas Street and will include:

  • Completion of piped stormwater drainage to better manage runoff and reduce nuisance flooding.
  • Reconstructing the road surface to improve comfort and safety.
  • Installing new kerb and guttering along the road.
  • Building a new footpath on the northern side of Thomas Street

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Extension of Scope

A package of works has been awarded for work in side streets that connect to Thomas St. This involved an extension of stormwater drainage to assist in collecting stormwater runoff into the piped system earlier, with a concrete dish drain to help reduce erosion. Associated tidy up of pavement edges to marry into the dish drain is included.

The work is already largely complete and is expected to be fully complete in April 2026.

Project updates

January 2026 Update

The western portion of the project is now practically complete and open to the public. Works between Dai Street and Scott Street have progressed well, with the subbase completed on both sides and kerb and gutter installed along the north side. In addition, drainage works, including pipe installation, have been successfully completed.

September 2025 Update

Drainage works are progressing smoothly on Lot 1 of the project, kerb and gutter works are now complete to both sides from Wine Country Drive to Morgan Street, with the concrete footpath ready to be poured in the western section.

Construction works are continuing further up the roadway, clearing the way for further removal of the existing pavement and earthworks.

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March 2026 Update

The Project has achieved Practical Completion this month, with all stormwater drainage, pavement reconstruction and concrete works now complete.

An additional package of works for connections to side streets is well under way.

Tidy up and minor works are in progress, with full demobilization expected by mid-April 2026.

Construction Timeline

Contract has been awarded 
Construction begins: May 2025
Estimated completion: Mid-2026
Updates: More detailed scheduling and impact information will be shared as works progress.

KCE has been contracted by Cessnock City Council to undertake the reconstruction of Thomas Street, North Rothbury.

Works are expected to start towards the end of May 2025, at the western end of Thomas Street. To facilitate these initial works, we will be closing the intersection of Thomas St and Wine Country Drive and allowing resident access only with one way traffic direction between Wine Country Drive and Morgan Street.

Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

Click here to view the REF(PDF, 21MB)

Location and Traffic Management

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Thomas Street access - Local Residents only

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