Better this, the council said, then draw the work out even longer.

"By putting a detour in place for westbound traffic, we can avoid this rework and thereby cut the overall project time,” Phil Miles, the council's capital works section manager said.

The rehabilitation work will take place between the Nelson Bay Road and Barrie Close intersections, from October 9 to November 24, weather permitting.

Eastbound traffic will still be able to use Cabbage Tree Road with reduced speed and minor delays.

Westbound traffic will be detoured via Richardson Road toward Raymond Terrace, or via Nelson Bay Road toward Newcastle.

Mr Miles says allowing eastbound traffic to continue using the road will mean minimal changes for airport traffic.

"The last thing people need on the way to the airport is roadworks, so we've been mindful to make sure that airport traffic will face minimal disruption," he said.

"We appreciate that Cabbage Tree Road is an important thoroughfare for commuters, visitors and locals, so we will be doing all we can to work closely with residents and businesses to manage the inconvenience for these users," he said.

The rehabilitation work is being undertaken by Port Stephens Council on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services.

Mr Miles said to keep both lanes open would jeopardise the quality of the work and the safety of workers.

"When traffic travels through roadwork, it causes damage to the road sub-surface, which must then be fixed before rehabilitation works can proceed," Mr Miles said.

"The detour will also provide a safer environment for our work crews by reducing the hazard of passing cars.”