The desperately needed upgrade at Testers Hollow has taken another step forward with the building contract awarded to Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd this week. The upgrade, with a $17 million dollar price tag, was brought to a head by the opening of the Hunter Expressway and residential boom in Gillieston Heights. New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Australian and NSW governments had invested in the upgrade to reduce the impact of flooding and improve connectivity. "We are pleased to be partnering with the Australian Government to deliver this important upgrade for the Hunter," Mr Toole said. "Every time it floods there is a risk that this road is inaccessible, which creates a lot of frustration and delays, not to mention a safety issue. This upgrade will ensure all road users including freight vehicles can keep moving." The multi-million dollar upgrade will include the road height raised to provide a more reliable connection after the heavily used road was cut off by flooding six times in 10 years. New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said motorists would soon see major benefits materialise from the project. "The upgrade involves building a new two-lane road at a level about 1.5 metres higher than the existing road to keep this stretch high and dry even during heavy rainfall," Ms Cusack said. "Construction is expected to begin later this year and the new length of road is expected to be open to traffic in two years, weather permitting." The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the project on top of the $2 million committed by the NSW Government. READ MORE: The campaign to raise Testers Hollow