The Australian Government is inviting tenders from prequalified contractors for the A$103.8m duplication of Tourle Street and Cormorant Road at Kooragang Island in New South Wales (NSW).

Early preliminary works began last week to help ensure that the successful tendered is able to start work as soon as possible.

The successful contractor will be responsible for duplicating 3.8km of Tourle Street and Cormorant Road between Industrial Drive at Mayfield West and Egret Street at Kooragang, maintaining access to existing businesses along the corridor, and 2.5m shoulders along Cormorant Road to cater for on-road cyclists.

"The upgrade will improve traffic flow and cater for the expected increase in traffic volumes from future urban development in Port Stephens."

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss said: "The Australian and NSW Governments have each committed $51.9m to deliver the upgrade of Tourle Street and Cormorant Road at Kooragang Island.

"The upgrade will improve traffic flow and cater for the expected increase in traffic volumes from future urban development in Port Stephens, the expansion of Newcastle Airport and growth of industrial development on Kooragang Island.

"The project will also provide a new two-lane bridge on the western side of the existing bridge."

New South Wales Hunter and Central Coast parliamentary secretary Scot MacDonald said: "The upgrade will provide two lanes in each direction to improve traffic flow, travel times and safety for the more than 33,000 vehicles, including more than 3,000 heavy vehicles that use this section of the road daily."

Prequalified contractors have been asked to submit tenders for major building work by 18 November, while the work is expected to begin in early 2016.

Tourle Street and Cormorant Road form the main corridor connecting Kooragang Island to Newcastle and the southern section of the Port of Newcastle.