Cessnock Council has confirmed the Wollombi Road Upgrade has hit another major setback, revealing the contract for Stage 1 works was terminated in December.
In a project update released today, Council acknowledged that construction progress was reviewed over the holiday shutdown, leading to the decision to end negotiations with the original contractor. Council is now in talks with a new construction provider to complete the remaining works.
An updated timeline has not yet been provided, with Council saying a new schedule will only be released once a replacement contractor is locked in. Residents and businesses will be notified before construction resumes.
Council also moved to shut down speculation linking the delays to its controversial Special Rate Variation application, insisting the Wollombi Road Upgrade is grant funded and unrelated.
According to Council, the project is funded through a mix of state and federal grants, developer contributions, and support from Hunter Water.
For now, locals are left waiting — again — as one of Cessnock’s most contentious road projects remains unfinished.