Cessnock City Council’s design delivery manager Katrina Kerr had been modelled using current and future traffic volumes, including peak event flows.

Ms Kerr was speaking after Cessnock City Council staff ­celebrated a final concrete pour last week.

“The innovative design will result in substantial improvements to safety and will help manage ­traffic for residents, commuters and tourists,” she said.

“Feedback from local businesses and vignerons in the Pokolbin area has been overwhelmingly positive, with the benefits of the upgrade becoming visible.”

Work on Broke Road has been under way since 2011, with a $20 million grant from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund providing the money for the four-year program of major works.

This project has been completed in phases, with Broke Road East adjacent to Lakes Folly the first area to be upgraded.

Broke Road West has also been completed, with a new road surface and substantial drainage improvements from Harrigan’s Irish Pub to Oakvale Winery.

Under the NSW government’s Resources for Regions program, a joint project with Singleton Council later in the year will see an upgrade of the full length of Hermitage Road and the intersection with Broke Road.

This project will include on-road cycle ways and installation of tourist facilities including signs and rest areas.

These projects will cater for traffic needs into the future and ensure the safety of many people using these important routes, Ms Kerr said.