The New South Wales Government has awarded the construction contract for a major upgrade of Wakehurst Parkway, advancing plans to improve safety, congestion and flood resilience on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Ertech Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver the $85.1 million project, with construction scheduled to begin mid-year following upcoming site establishment works. Detailed design for the project has now been completed.

Wakehurst Parkway is a key arterial route connecting Pittwater Road at North Narrabeen with Warringah Road at Frenchs Forest. The corridor currently experiences peak-period congestion and is prone to flooding, impacting travel reliability for local communities and freight.

The project will deliver targeted upgrades along the route to improve traffic flow, reduce crash risks in identified hot spots and increase capacity to support future growth. It also includes enhancements for walking, cycling and public transport access.

Flood mitigation works between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls Road form a key component of the upgrade, representing the first stage of broader efforts to improve the corridor’s resilience to extreme weather.

The contract award coincides with the launch of consultation on the Northern Beaches Network Review, a broader assessment of key transport corridors across the region. The review is examining opportunities to improve travel reliability, reduce congestion and enhance safety across Sydney’s Lower North Shore and Northern Beaches.

The review takes a network-wide approach, identifying practical, short- to medium-term improvements such as intersection upgrades, bus reliability measures, traffic flow enhancements and strategies to address rat-running on local streets.

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the contract award marked an important step in delivering more reliable journeys for commuters.

“This is a good day for the thousands of commuters who use the Wakehurst Parkway daily,” Aitchison said.

“The award of this contract represents an important step towards smoother, safer journeys for Northern Beaches motorists.

“The project forms part of broader work underway to improve the road network across the Northern Beaches.

“The Northern Beaches Road Network Review puts the community in the driver’s seat, and we want to hear from locals to help shape the future of transport in their area.”

Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan, said the milestone provided confidence the long-anticipated upgrade would be delivered.

“Today we’re marking a major milestone for the upgrades to Wakehurst Parkway,” Regan said.

“The awarding of the contract, with a clear timeframe, gives confidence these critical works will be delivered.”

Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, said the project would support broader improvements across the regional road network.

“Upgrading these major roads will be a gamechanger for Pittwater residents,” Scruby said.

Community feedback is now being sought as part of the Northern Beaches Network Review to help inform future transport planning and investment priorities.