A $17 million design and environmental assessment contract has been awarded for improving the flood immunity at Tester’s Hollow, NSW.
The road carries 13,500 vehicles every week day and is an important regional transport link. 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the upgrade would redesign the alignment and level of Cessnock Road to reduce the likelihood of traffic disruptions due to flooding.
“In the past 10 years this section of road at Testers Hollow has flooded on at least six occasions resulting in road closures of between two and 17 days,” Mr McCormack said.
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said raising Cessnock Road
would make life easier for local residents as well as helping to reduce freight and road maintenance costs.
Upgrading the road through Testers Hollow will provide longer term benefits to fast-growing nearby communities like Cliftleigh and Gillieston Heights,” Ms Pavey said.
Senator for NSW John Williams said the heavily used road also provided an important link to the Hunter Expressway.
“We will continue to work with the community throughout the planning process to minimise project impacts. The planning stage of work is expected to be completed by mid-2019,” Mr Williams said.
This project is jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $15 million including the release of an initial $1.5 million for development work and the New South Wales Government providing $2 million.
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