Work on a package of six roads being upgraded thanks to a $40 million commitment from the Australian Government is on track and progressing well.
Council received the first instalment of funding in July 2024 and is undertaking work in three phases over a three-year period. Works are due for completion in late 2027, with agreement of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
As part of the funding agreement, the project team provide monthly updates to the federal department and quarterly updates to the Federal Member for Gillmore, Fiona Phillips MP.
The first phase of scoping was now complete, and involved road safety analysis, road condition analysis, concept sketches and cost estimates. The project team were now engaged in the design phase that includes flood modelling to improve the flood resilience of access to towns and villages. This phase will determine the delivery schedule of the road projects.
"The scoping phase has involved a lot of surveying, research and analysis which may appear like work is not progressing, but it's certainly on track and part of the process of major infrastructure projects," said Acting Director City Services, Kevin Norwood.
"A thorough scoping phase ensures that the funding is allocated to the areas that need it most and the areas that will provide the greatest benefit to the community," Mr Norwood said.
"We now move to the second phase which includes detailed design for all sites, land acquisition process for Worrigee intersection and flood studies on impacted roads," he said.
The works schedule will be finalised and publicly available in February, once the design phase is completed.
Residents will start to see action in March next year when the electrical and water utility relocations are set to commence at the two intersection sites.
There are four roads and two intersections being upgraded and these include:
- Forest Road
- Callala Beach Road
- Callala Bay Road
- Culburra Road
- Coonemia / Currarong / Callala Bay Road Intersection
- Greenwell Point / Worrigee Road Intersection
The project is addressing existing road failures and will improve the durability and safety of the roads through pavement reconstruction, widening, signage, line marking, guardrail and intersection upgrades.
Engineering and infrastructure specialist, SMEC, had been engaged as partner consultant to assist with the delivery of the project.
