Central Coast Council has started construction of Stage 1 of a $2.2million project to ease traffic congestion in the Terrigal CBD, which continues to grow as a tourism, residential and commercial hub for the region.

The project has been made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund and focuses on Church Street, Campbell Crescent, Kurrawyba Avenue and the Terrigal Esplanade.

Council Acting Director Assets Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said this important project would be delivered in a way that will minimise the impact on residents, tourists and local businesses.

“We understand how important it is for our community and tourists to be able to access Terrigal and the many businesses that operate in the area,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“Traffic control will be on site to keep traffic flowing, there will be minimal impact on parking, and we will wrap up this stage of the project by October and the start of the busy summer period.”

Mayor Jane Smith said the project would help ensure Terrigal’s position as a destination of choice for the Central Coast community and tourists.

“Terrigal is a much loved and often visited location on the Central Coast and this project will deliver significant traffic flow improvements,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council has spent a lot of time consulting with the community to design a project which will keep Terrigal well and truly open for business during these important works.”

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the traffic flow improvements would improve beachfront access for locals and visitors alike.

“As one of the most visited tourist destinations on the Central Coast it is vital that Terrigal be easily accessible to all, and I am pleased that Council widely consulted on these traffic changes and adapted the plans accordingly,” Mr Crouch said.

“I strongly encourage local residents and business owners to continue providing feedback to Council to ensure the delivery of this project aligns with our community’s expectations.

The project focuses on a 500 metre stretch of road from Campbell Crescent around Church Street to Kurrawyba Avenue and includes a new roundabout, new pedestrian traffic lights, modified kerb and guttering and a new road pavement.

Traffic looping is currently a major cause of congestion in Terrigal and this will be addressed by preventing traffic from turning right onto Terrigal Esplanade from Campbell Crescent.

Measures to minimise the impact of construction on the area will include a small daily construction footprint, maintaining traffic flow and pedestrian access and conducting critical works at night on the quieter trading evenings in Terrigal.

If for any reason the works are delayed, the construction area will be minimised and work will recommence after Easter 2019 to avoid the busy holiday periods.