Important upgrades to Kalang Road are now complete, improving the resilience and accessibility of a vital road in the Bellingen Shire.
A total of $11.4 million has been invested in upgrading Kalang Road, with just over $5 million provided by the Australian Government.
Over $6 million was invested as part of the NSW Government's Fixing Country Bridges Program to upgrade seven bridges along Kalang Road between 2021 and 2025.
The project is part of both governments' commitment to delivering tangible improvements in regional communities by addressing issues on key rural and regional road networks, to help communities remain connected.
Construction on the road upgrade by council began in late 2025, and significant improvements have been delivered to priority sections along the 26 kilometres of Kalang Road, including:
- Rehabilitation of 36 culvert sites
- Rehabilitation and widening of approximately 6.8 kilometres of the existing sealed pavement
- Bitumen sealing and widening of 11.5 kilometres of unsealed road
- Road alignment improvements near Baileys Bridge, Rickerbys Bridge and Cooks Creek Bridge
- Replacement of Rickerbys Culvert with a dual-lane bridge
- Replacement of Knights Bridge, Tysons Bridge, Hopsons Bridge, Duffys Bridge and Youngs Bridge.
These critical infrastructure upgrades will provide safer and more reliable connections for the local community.
With no alternative route, the one-way Kalang Road is now better set to provide residents continuity of access to their homes and essential services during severe weather events.
Stay up to date on upcoming infrastructure projects on the Council website.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
"These critical road upgrades will boost community access and address safety risks for those who rely on Kalang Road each day.
"This is a great example of the type of project that benefits communities by addressing deficiencies on key regional and rural roads.
"Improving road networks in rural and regional areas is a key priority for the Albanese Government, to ensure regional communities are safely connected and have equitable access to services including schools and healthcare."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:
"This is a vital connection for regional communities, helping people get to work, keep families connected and provide access to essential services.
"For far too long, regional communities have been left behind, dealing with ageing infrastructure and roads - vulnerable to weather and natural disasters.
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to be investing where it's needed most - across regional NSW, delivering the infrastructure communities rely on every day."
Quotes attributable to Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Steve Allan:
"Kalang Road is a vital rural road within our Shire, used multiple times each day by residents and local suppliers. Recent upgrade works have significantly improved safety and reliability, making travel along the road safer and easier for our community and visitors to the area.
"A great outcome of this project is that we were able to seal a significant portion of the existing gravel road. This will help to reduce maintenance requirements in the future and prevent damage to the road surface.
"I'd like to thank the residents along Kalang Road who were affected by the closures required for the project. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you and appreciate your patience."
