Government and community leaders have turned the first sod to mark the start of work of the next stage of Orange's Southern Feeder Road, from Anson Street to Shiralee Road.
The new $14.7 million section will connect residential areas of south and west Orange to the industrial and health precincts and through to the Mitchell Highway.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling has welcomed the start of work on Stage 4 to take the road west from Anson Street.
"Over the last ten years as funding became available Orange City Council has been working steadily at building these Southern Feeder Road connections across the railway line and through to the Mitchell Highway. It's crucial to deliver the transport infrastructure that a growing city like Orange needs," Cr Hamling said.
DIG DEEP: Cr Kevin Duffy, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Cr Jack Evans, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown, Cr Jeff Whitton, Orange Mayor Jason Hamling, Deputy Mayor Gerald Power and Cr Glenn Floyd turn the sod.
"Multi-million-dollar projects like this one can only happen in partnership with all tiers of government and Council is pleased to be working with the NSW and Australian governments to deliver this expansion of our road network."
The Council has awarded the 1.7km construction contract project to the MAAS group.
The first phase of the project will see construction work begin on a new roundabout at the corner of Park and Shiralee roads. It also includes upgrading a 500-metre section of Shiralee Road from Park Road to the railway level crossing, and the extension of Park Road through to
the top of Anson Street.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP said:
"It is critical that regional communities have safe and reliable infrastructure. I'm proud to be working with local councils like Orange City Council to deliver the new and improved roads, such as this Southern Feeder Road, that our regions need and deserve."
"This project will improve road safety and amenity for all road users, as well as better connect the community of Orange and support tourism."
Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator the Hon Carol Brown said:
"This project will leave a lasting legacy for the Orange area by bolstering road safety and stimulating the local economy."
"This is a great example of why the Australian Government is investing an ongoing commitment of at least $65 million every year in the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, to ensure our truckies have the safe and efficient freight connections they need to get around."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"We know transport is a social determinant of health, education, opportunity and jobs, and a well-functioning road network in regional NSW is vital to ensure our rural communities thrive."
"This $4.5 million grant from the NSW Government for this important road project in Orange is true to the NSW Labor Government's commitment to invest in building new local roads across our regions."
The project is expected to be finished in about 12 months.
This stage of the Southern Feeder Road is funded by:
- Orange City Council – $4.6 million
- NSW Government's Resources for Regions program – $4.5 million
- Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety & Productivity Program and the Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program – $5.5 million
Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Jack Evans said the Council is already looking forward to the next stages of the Southern Feeder Road and has requested staff to progress designs so that we are shovel ready for grant applications.
"It's fantastic to see work beginning but we're already looking towards the next phases of this project," Cr Evans said.
The next stage of the Southern Feeder Road goes from Anson Street to Shiralee Road.
