Council announced the funding on 29 June: $1.6 million from the Black Spot Program, the federal scheme that targets road locations with a history of serious injury crashes, or a high risk of them, for engineering fixes. Council says this section of Woy Woy Road has exactly that history.
Acting Mayor John Mouland: “Woy Woy Road has long been a concern for locals because of the number of serious incidents which has occurred along this stretch.” He added: “With around 20,000 vehicles travelling along this road every day, this funding allows us to address the risks and improve safety for everyone who relies on this key connection between Kariong and the Peninsula.”
What gets built
Two treatments, both aimed at the crash types that hurt people on winding roads: a centre median safety barrier, so a driver who drifts cannot cross into oncoming traffic, and high-friction pavement, which shortens braking distances in the wet. The works cover approximately one kilometre of road just south of Staples Lookout. Infrastructure services director Boris Bolgoff said improvements have already been made along Woy Woy Road, and this funding allows further targeted works to reduce the likelihood and severity of future crashes.
When
The community will be consulted on the design during 2026-27, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027-28. Progress will be published under “Woy Woy Road safety improvements” on council’s website, per the announcement.
The stretch matters more every year: Kariong itself is forecast to grow from 6,518 residents in 2021 to 8,295 by 2046 on council’s population forecast, and the road is one of only two ways on and off the Peninsula by car. Rawson Road, the other pressure point, sits on council’s uncosted advocacy list for a level crossing fix.