The final stage of building a better Sturt Highway in Wagga Wagga will get underway next month as major work continues on the $13.95 million upgrade to the road east of the city.
Work is due to start on Monday 23 March on the second and final stage of the upgrade to a 1.8-kilometre section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga's CBD.
This final stage of the upgrade - from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road - is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Work will include completely rebuilding the road with a new surface and new kerb and guttering, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated right turning lanes for eastbound traffic accessing properties on the southern side.
Large trees will be removed from both sides of the highway to allow for the re-alignment of the road. There will also be trimming of vegetation to improve line of sight.
The removal of some trees to improve road safety has the support of the Country Women's Association, who planted the trees in honour of the road's namesake Mrs Dorothy Hammond.
On completion of the project, new planting will be carried out.
While some informal parking will go from the eastbound road shoulder, a three-metre shoulder on the westbound lanes will be available for parking.
This final stage of upgrades to the Sturt Highway follows delivery of the first stage of the project - from Tasman Road to Blaxland Road - in May 2025.
This location is a high traffic area and Transport for NSW plans to carry out work with as few impacts as possible.
All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. Work will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work between 7pm and 6am also planned.
Detours will be in place as required and Transport will remain in contact with impacted businesses and residents throughout the work to minimise noise and property access impacts as much as possible.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic control and signage.
Minister for Agriculture and Duty MLC for Wagga Wagga Tara Moriarty said:
"It is wonderful to see the final stage of these important upgrades is ready to get underway to improve road safety and efficiency through the heart of Wagga Wagga.
"This latest stage of upgrades is just one part of the significant investment being made to improve journeys on the Sturt Highway, which is a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia."
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:
"We understand the impact these upgrades and the work underway on Marshalls Creek Bridge are having on people moving in and around Wagga Wagga.
"These improvements are happening at a time when there are a lot of changes to traffic movements across the road network from other projects, and we thank the community for their patience.
"This work will not only provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes but also provide a safer and more comfortable journey for all road users now and into the future."
