Work in the Hunter began on Sunday for the joint state and federal project, part of a $400 million allocation under a $2 billion federal road safety program.

The federal government is pouring $300 million into the project, with the NSW government chipping in $108.9 million during the first tranche of upgrades.

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Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said six areas on the major Hunter thoroughfares would be upgraded "to improve the skid resistance of the road surface and help reduce the risk of crashes".

NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Paul Toole, who is also the acting NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, said the road safety program would prevent more than 538 deaths and serious injuries.

"This is about delivering safer journeys on some of Newcastle's busiest roads," Mr Toole said.

Transport for NSW has enlisted City of Newcastle crews to conduct the works between 7pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday over four weeks, weather permitting.

Drivers have been urged to follow the directions of traffic controllers and temporary speed limit changes.

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