The Hatch Rd initial road seal has been completed, giving drivers a safer and smoother experience.
Works to restore and seal the gravel road started in late August 2021, and the initial seal was completed on 21 September 2021. The sealed road surface improves driver safety, eliminates dust impacts for nearby residents, and will reduce ongoing maintenance costs through improved drainage runoff and an extended pavement life.
The community can now feel safer using alternative modes of transport, with a smoother surface for cyclists to navigate.
The initial primer seal is complete, and a final seal scheduled for early next year, will mark the project as complete.
Dan Bylsma, Director of Infrastructure said the upgrades have significantly increased the amenity for the residents of The Hatch Road.
"The Hatch Rd is an important connection for residents in suburbs north of Port Macquarie, and this section of road is used by about 150 motorists each day, accessing a variety of rural residences and agricultural lots.
"With the road now sealed, I'm glad we were able to deliver this upgrade within a short timeframe, with minimal impacts to the community during construction, and improve the capacity for our community to get where they need to be with ease" said Dan.
Following a 2019 Australian Government election commitment from the now Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan MP, the Australian Government committed $1,509,290 in funding for bitumen sealing of The Hatch Road between Blackmans Point Road and Elfords Road, under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative
"I am incredibly pleased to see this long-fought project come to completion. Being able to deliver on my promise of Federal funding for this important upgrade and championing the residents of Blackmans Point has been extremely satisfying. It's a privilege to be able to advocate on behalf of real regional and rural people," Mr Conaghan said.
