Work is set to begin on a major safety upgrade on a key intersection in Gardiner Road, following funding from the Australian and New South Wales governments.
The $230,000 project in Orange is part of the Australian and NSW governments' $398 million investment in road safety improvements through the Safer Roads Program.
The project will involve the construction of a raised hotmix asphalt intersection, similar to the recently completed raised intersection at Anson Street and Matthews Avenue.
The existing speed humps on Gardiner Road on the eastern and western side of the intersection with be removed and adjustments will be made to the existing stormwater infrastructure in the intersection.
Work is planned to begin in early January, with the project expected to take approximately six weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd has welcomed funding for the project.
"It's good to be working in partnership with the state and federal governments to tackle safety problems in our local community," Cr Reg Kidd said.
"Gardiner Road is a key traffic route that gets very busy at certain times of the day. Speed humps have already been installed but this raised platform will take these safety measure to a new level.
"We've now installed a number of these raised platforms at a number of intersection in Orange, and the results are good. Drivers are prompted to slow down and that makes all the difference."
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education Andrew Gee said the Safer Roads Program is making a big difference in country communities, creating new jobs and improving road safety.
"Motorists will soon be able to enjoy a smoother, safer commute, with this shovel ready project at Gardiner and Cecil Road intersection set to kick off in early January 2021, thanks to $230,000 in joint Australian and NSW Government funding," Mr Gee said.
"I think the community is right behind any efforts to make our local roads safer and spending funds on this type of vital infrastructure is money very well spent. Most users of Gardiner Road are local residents and this funding will help keep them, and also visitors to Orange safe.
"At the same time, we are also growing our economy and creating more local jobs, which is particularly important as we emerge from COVID-19.
"It's great example of the State and Federal Government combining resources for a really positive local outcome."
NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said that it was great to see safety upgrades already completed through the Safer Roads initiative.
"Absolutely nothing is more important than ensuring each and every commuter on our local roads gets home to their loved ones safe and sound at the end of each trip," Mr Farraway said.
"That is why every single dollar we spend on vital safety-improving upgrades is a dollar well spent."
NSW Member for Orange Phil Donato welcomed funding for the project.
"I welcome the investment in functional road safety upgrades here in Orange," Mr Donato said.
"Southern Orange is becoming increasingly busy as developments continue.
"Where traffic risks are identified it is imperative that the necessary safety upgrades are made and for consideration of its functionality for road users.
"I'm pleased the planned upgrades at the intersection of Gardiner and Cecil Roads will provide continued safety with improved functionality."
'The safety upgrades will be funded through the Safer Roads Program and works will commence in January. Whilst there will be a temporary inconvenience for drivers, the upgrades will not just benefit road users, it will also benefit the neighbourhood." Mr Donato said.
