The upgrade is being funded by the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program and involves installing a roundabout to improve safety and traffic flow.

Work is being carried out by Council on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services and is estimated to take eight weeks, weather permitting.

Councillor Paul Le Mottee has welcomed the commencement of works, having called for a roundabout at this location for a long time.

“Traffic coming from Maitland is often backed up to Irrawang Bridge or beyond. Significant accidents are frequent and people are very prone to doing silly things at this intersection in its current form,” Cr Le Mottee said.

“In the past six years, there have been 26 crashes at this intersection, 16 of which caused injuries.

“I am extremely grateful for the funding from the State Government for this much-needed project. I’m sure this money will save time, injuries and lives,” he added.

Work will take place from 6:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Saturday, with some work to be carried out at night as the project progresses.

Motorists heading south on Seaham Road will not be able to make a right turn at the road works and instead will need to use the roundabout at Newline Road should they wish to use Raymond Terrace Road.

To ensure the safety of motorists and workers, lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit will be imposed during work hours. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, follow the direction of signs and traffic controllers.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701