Work has begun on the $7.5 million next stage of Orange's southern feeder road.
Community leaders gathered today for a brief ceremony to signal the start of work.
Attending the event are Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, NSW Roads Minister Paul Toole, Upper House MP Sam Farraway, Member for Orange Phil Donato and Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Jeff Whitton .
HIGHWAY: Celebrating the start of work on the latest section of Orange's southern feeder road are (l. to r.) Mayor Reg Kidd, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Cr Jeff Whitton, NSW Roads Minister Paul Toole, Upper House MP Sam Farrway and Member for Orange Phil Donato. (Click for larger image)
The 2 kilometre long project which follows the same line as Dairy Creek Road and Blowes Road from Elsham Avenue to the Mitchell Highway, includes:
- a new intersection where the new road meets the highway about 250 metres west of the current intersection
- kerb and guttering from Elsham Avenue to Lone Pine Avenue and at the intersection of Calton Road
- new street lighting for the entire length of the roa
- and a new shared pedestrian/cycle path from Elsham Avenue to Kurim Avenue, connecting to the existing path which crosses the railway line.
Funding for the project is shared by Orange City Council, the Australian Government and the NSW Government. The funding sources for the project are:
- The Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program – $3 million
- The NSW Government's Infrastructure NSW Program (Regional Growth) – $3 million
- Orange City Council – $1.5 million
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd welcomed the start of work on stage 3 of the southern feeder road, which is designed as a major transport link around the southern side of Orange once complete.
"The southern feeder road will be one of the most important assets in the city's road network," Cr Reg Kidd said. "Once the whole road is complete, it will provide a vital link between the major highways into Orange.
"This part of south Orange is a crucial infrastructure zone which includes hospitals, medical student training, the Leewood industrial estate and the new Shiralee housing area. This new road is about better, more efficient connections."
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Regional Education and Decentralisation, Andrew Gee MP has welcomed the start of the project.
"It's great that shovels have hit the ground on such a vital project," Mr Gee said. "The benefits of Stage 3 of the Southern Feeder Road Project will be far-reaching for the Orange region."
"The area is a thoroughfare for Leewood Estate, Orange Health Service, Cadia Mine and those travelling to and from the East Coast. Roadworks will also create a link to the new Shiralee Housing Estate topping off the enormous value Stage 3 offers both locals and tree-changers making the move to country Australia," Mr Gee said.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the commencement of stage 3 was great news for road users in the Central West.
"Once completed, this road will provide a crucial connection for freight traffic and will make journeys safer, faster and more reliable for all motorists," Mr Toole said.
"Road upgrades such as these are highly important to regional areas as they increase productivity, drive local jobs and create more opportunities for the agricultural and transport sector."
Upper House MP Sam Farraway said that these works on the Southern Feeder road were vital to improved connectivity and driver safety.
"To see stages one and two of this vital project completed was fantastic, but to know that works on stage 3 are now underway I'm sure will be a massive relief to many who use this road.
"The efforts by Council, State and Federal Governments and the community to upgrade and improve this notorious stretch of road should be commended. When completed these works will save time and save lives.
Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Jeff Whitton believes a steady flow of infrastructure projects is good for the local economy.
"While there are clear benefits for Orange of better transport infrastructure, a steady flow of projects like this is good for a business economy," Cr Jeff Whitton said. "Local suppliers and local contractors are finding work when the council builds new roads and new roundabouts."
"Whether it's a new private hospital, the government office block or major roadworks like this, multi-million dollar projects have flow-on effects through the Orange community."
FURTHER INFORMATION:
The Elsham Ave to Lone Pine Ave section will be 14m wide kerb to kerb, with a single travel lane plus a parking lane in each direction.
The Lone Pine Ave to Mitchell Highway section (no kerb and gutter) will be a single travel lane in each direction with a 2m shoulder (11m width total)
The project is expected to be completed, weather permitting, by the middle of next year.
The road will be closed for the duration of the works, with local access for residents available. Detours for heavy vehicles are in place via McLachlan Street, Moulder Street and Edward Street for access into Leewood.
Orange City Council awarded the $6.7 million construction tender to Hamcon, the same company currently building the new bypass-Hill St roundabout. Total project value is $7.5M. Other work includes relocation of services such as telecommunications and power.
