Summary
Location: Cove Boulevard and Harbour Boulevard, Shell Cove
Timeframe: June 2026 to December 2026
Upcoming Works
Cove Boulevard surface renewal
As part of this project, an additional safety upgrade will be undertaken to replace the existing road pavers on Cove Boulevard between Shellharbour Road and Southern Cross Drive, as well as the pavers at the Brindabella Way western entry. These surfaces will be replaced with asphalt.
While the pavers have been a distinctive feature of Shell Cove for many years, they have reached the end of their useful life and are showing signs of deterioration in several locations. Their replacement will improve road safety and create a smoother transition between the roadway and upgraded shared path.
The new asphalt surface will also improve long-term road performance and allow the works to be completed as part of the current construction program, reducing future disruption to residents and road users.
To minimise disruptions to the area, these works will be carried out over a full weekend road closure and detour of the area, which is scheduled to begin on the evening of Friday 30 October until the morning of Monday 2 November (weather permitting).
View detour information for these works here.
About the Project
Council is making various road safety improvements along Cove Boulevard and Harbour Boulevard.
The project includes:
- The installation of a roundabout at the existing T-intersection of Harbour Boulevard and Promontory Drive (north).
- Installation of a bike path along Cove Boulevard between Shellharbour Road & Harbour Boulevard.
- Construction of three new pedestrian crossings at the roundabout of Cove Boulevard and Southern Cross Boulevard
- Construction two new pedestrian crossings along Harbour Boulevard near Brigantine Drive (Warrigal Shell Cove) and Aquatic Drive (93 Harbour Boulevard)
These upgrades will improve safety for active transport users and drivers, make crossings and paths more accessible for pedestrians, and improve traffic flow at the intersection of Harbour Boulevard and The Promontory Drive (north).
Timeline
Concept Designs – Completed
Concept designs prepared
Detailed Designs - Completed
Detailed designs developed
Tender – Completed
The construction package was put out to tender in late January 2026, to appoint the works contractor by April 2026
Construction – June 2026 to November 2026
Works commenced on 22 June 2026
Completion – December 2026
The project is expected to be completed by December 2026
FAQs
Why are these upgrades needed?
There is currently a missing connection between existing shared paths in Shell Cove, and limited safe crossing points on key roads. Once complete, there will be a cohesive east-west share path connecting Shellharbour Village, the Marina and Shellharbour Junction train station. These upgrades will:
- Improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers
- Provide safer road crossings and better accessibility
- Support Council’s Active Transport Strategy by improving walking and cycling connections
- Help improve traffic flow at busy intersections
What works are included in the project?
The project is being delivered in two stages:
Stage A1 – Cove Boulevard
- Construction of a new on-road cycle path linking Shellharbour Road and Harbour Boulevard
- Renewed bus stops
- Three new pedestrian crossings near Southern Cross Boulevard (Seascape Park)
- Widened footpaths to create shared paths
Stage A2 – Harbour Boulevard
- A new roundabout at the Harbour Boulevard and Promontory Drive (north) intersection
- A pedestrian crossing at the new roundabout
- Two additional pedestrian crossings near Brigantine Drive and Aquatic Drive
When will construction start and finish?
To minimise disruption, construction will be delivered in stages across the project area from June to December 2026. Different sections of the project will be worked on at different times. Refer to the map below for indicative timing of each stage.
Note: timing may be adjusted due to weather or construction conditions, and updates will be provided on Council’s website. 
- Stage 1: June – August 2026
- Stage 2: August – October 2026
- Stage 3: September – October 2026
- Stage 4: October – November 2026
- Stage 5: October – early November 2026
- Stage 6: October - November 2026
Will access to homes and businesses be maintained?
Yes. Access to homes, businesses and emergency services will be maintained at all times. If temporary access changes are required, affected residents and businesses will be notified in advance.
Will there be traffic delays during construction?
Yes. There will be temporary traffic changes, including:
- Reduced speed limits
- Lane closures
- Traffic controllers at times
- Some detours may occur
Council will aim to minimise disruption, and some works may take place at night where possible to reduce traffic impacts.
Will vegetation, including trees, be removed as part of this project?
Yes. Some vegetation, including trees and shrubs, will need to be removed where it is located within or encroaches on the proposed shared path alignment. This is necessary to enable construction and deliver a safe, functional pathway for all users.
The design has undergone multiple revisions to minimise impacts, reducing the number of trees identified for removal from 55 to 26. Council remains committed to retaining as much existing vegetation as practicable, with a qualified project arborist assessing which trees can be retained, pruned or require removal. Ongoing assessments during construction will further maximise retention opportunities.
Where removal is unavoidable, tree offsetting will occur in line with Council’s Development Control Plan, with replacement planting generally at a minimum ratio of 1:1.
The path alignment has been carefully refined; however, there are several constraints within the road reserve, including existing infrastructure, road safety requirements and tree root systems. As the project is primarily funded by Transport for NSW, the design must also meet specific safety and infrastructure standards.
Further shifting the alignment in some areas could increase impacts on tree roots, create safety issues, or result in non-compliance with funding conditions. The current alignment represents the best balance between safety, functionality and minimising vegetation impacts.
While vegetation can provide visual screening and some acoustic benefit, its contribution to reducing traffic noise is generally limited. As most vegetation will be retained and only selectively managed where necessary, any change to traffic noise levels is expected to be negligible.
Will wildlife and habitat be affected by the works?
Environmental assessments have not identified any significant fauna habitat within the areas proposed for vegetation removal. If wildlife or habitat features are identified during construction, appropriate measures will be implemented to minimise impacts and protect local fauna in accordance with environmental management requirements.
Is parking being removed?
Some on-street parking space will be removed along sections of Cove Boulevard, mainly where it is not considered functional parking.
There are no significant impacts to parking around the Shell Cove Marina, and alternative parking options remain available in the surrounding area.
Why is a bike lane being added?
The new bike lane on Cove Boulevard will close a long-standing gap between existing shared paths, creating a more connected and safer cycling network. This supports Council’s Active Transport Strategy and provides a safer option for people who already cycle in the area. Once complete, there will be a cohesive east-west share path connecting Shellharbour Village, the Marina and Shellharbour Junction train station.
The project was also included in Council's Operational Plan and Delivery Program, which identifies the delivery of active transport infrastructure as an important strategic objective for the city
Will cyclists be forced to use the new bike lane?
No. The bike lane provides a dedicated option for cyclists, but people can choose the route that suits them best. The aim is to improve safety and reduce conflict between road users.
How will pedestrian safety improve?
The project includes:
- New pedestrian crossings at key locations
- Improved accessibility, including kerb ramps
- Traffic calming through the new roundabout and crossings
These changes make it safer and easier to cross busy roads, particularly for families, older residents and people with mobility needs.
How will the community be kept informed?
Council will provide regular updates through:
- The project webpage
- Social media
- On-site signage
- Letters to nearby residents (where required)
Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:
Infrastructure and Projects Administration
infrastructureandprojectsadmin@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
02 4221 6111