Coulsons Creek Road (MR358) Official Opening

Published on 08 April 2026

Upper Hunter Shire Council is pleased to announce the official opening of the Merriwa to Willow Tree Road (MR358), also known as Coulsons Creek Road, restoring an important transport link between the Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains following nearly 5 years of closure.

The $48.3 million project was jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $38.6 million and the NSW Government $9.66 million. The road was severely damaged in 2021 when a major natural landslip caused extensive ground movement that undermined the pavement, damaged drainage structures and compromised the stability of the surrounding escarpment. Since that time, Council, engineers and contractors have worked through detailed investigations, complex design processes and a significant civil construction program to rebuild the road to a far higher standard of resilience and safety.

Throughout the reconstruction, the steep terrain posed major challenges and required a complete rethink of the road’s stability systems. Large-scale excavation was undertaken to remove unstable material, and comprehensive drainage improvements were introduced to handle the significant volume of water that flows down the escarpment during heavy rainfall. Shotcrete was applied across critical embankments and gullies to strengthen the slopes, while upgraded hairpin drainage was installed to capture and redirect fast-moving stormwater.

Across particularly unstable areas, gabion retaining walls were strategically constructed to tie the pavement and surrounding landscape together, secure the drainage network and provide ongoing protection against smaller landslips. These structural elements work in combination with newly anchored slopes, rock mesh, rebuilt pavement layers and improved road geometry to create a safer, more durable route for motorists.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the project has delivered a stronger, more resilient road for the future.

“While it has taken some time to achieve, this is a good outcome for the Upper Hunter, showcasing cooperation between all three levels of government and harnessing the expertise of multiple state agencies.

“This work means Coulsons Creek Road is not only fit for purpose, but has been rebuilt to better withstand future severe weather events.

“It’s great to see the road open to traffic again, re-establishing a key link between the New England and Golden highways.”

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said the completion of the project delivers long-awaited benefits for the region.

“The people of the Upper Hunter have waited patiently for this project to be completed and that patience is finally being rewarded.

“The upgraded road will also deliver improved safety for motorists, with improved drainage, protection against rock falls, new barriers, signage and line-marking.

“This work will also ensure the road will be able to better cope with heavy rainfall in the years ahead.”

Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor, Maurice Collison, said the reopening represents an important milestone for the region, restoring a critical connection across the range. “This road is a critical connection for residents, farmers, freight operators and visitors.

“After almost five years of disruption, restoring this link strengthens access across the range and supports the ongoing productivity and resilience of our communities and regional economy.”

Upper Hunter Shire Council’s General Manager, Greg McDonald, emphasised that while the opening is welcomed, ongoing management of the site will remain a priority. The natural geology of the escarpment means that the area will continue to generate small landslips, requiring routine maintenance, drainage inspections and prompt debris removal. “It has been a long journey to get to this point, but our responsibilities do not end at opening day. A repeat of the lengthy closure we experienced since 2021 is simply not feasible for our communities, Council or our local industries,” he said.

Although officially opened this week, the road has been accessible to the public since December 2025, allowing residents and travellers to once again enjoy the striking landscape that characterises the route. Council extends its thanks to Daracon Group and the many subcontractors whose expertise and hard work made the reconstruction possible, as well as to the local community for its patience and support during an extended and often difficult period.

Council looks forward to seeing the benefits of this restored connection flow across the region and encourages motorists to enjoy the newly rebuilt drive between Merriwa and Willow Tree.