The state government funded the $8.8 million upgrade to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion during peak travel times.

The Cary Street upgrade extends from its intersection with The Boulevarde to Bay Street.

“Upgrade work included widening the western side of Cary Street to provide two lanes in each direction between The Boulevarde and Victory Parade with right-turn bays at the Donnelly Avenue and James Street intersection,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said.

“Work also included installing a new median strip, asphalting and line marking.

“Last month, new traffic lights were installed and switched on at the intersection of Cary Street, Donnelly Avenue and James Street.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said Cary Street, with some 25,000 vehicles using it daily, had become not only a bottleneck but, more importantly, very unsafe for users, particularly pedestrians.

“The upgraded road fixes many problems and appears to be working extremely well,” Mr Piper said.

“The work started in July last year and was completed this month, ensuring Cary Street is a safer and less congested corridor for motorists.”

Roads and Maritime Services thank motorists for their patience while these important safety improvements were completed.

Meanwhile, Central Coast Council’s $1.1 million facelift of Goorama Avenue, in San Remo, will be unveiled in the New Year.

Council has reached the fifth and final stage of this major road and drainage upgrade that will include a new road surface, intersection upgrades, and new traffic calming devices.

Council’s construction manager Stuart Baverstock said community safety would be significantly improved as a result of this final stage of work.

“Road users will not only enjoy a smoother ride along Goorama Avenue but will enjoy an upgraded drainage system that will alleviate the previous flooding issues experience in this popular area,” Mr Baverstock said.