Monday, 21 November, 2016
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced more major works to improve the road surface on the New England Highway, just south of Armidale.
Mr Marshall said the $1.9 million State Government-funded project is scheduled to start tomorrow (Tuesday, 22 November) and includes building a new left turning lane from the highway onto Platform Road, four kilometres south of Armidale.
“The work will also involve shoulder widening and rebuilding the road base and resealing to provide a better road surface and improve safety for all road users,” Mr Marshall said.
The work is being carried out between Platform Road and Kia-Ora Road and is expected to take about 12 weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.
Mr Marshall that with this project, more than $6 million had been invested in the improving the New England Highway between Armidale and Uralla over the last two years – one of the busiest stretches of the highway.
“I’m delighted to see this additional work starting, which compliments the work done earlier this year to create a turn-of lane into Platform road from the south,” he said.
“This northern turn-of lane will further improve safety along the highway for local and interstate motorists.”
Mr Marshall said no work will be carried out over the Christmas holiday period, starting Friday, 23 December to Sunday, 8 January but would resume Monday, 9 January 2017.
“The work hours will be from 7am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays and on alternating Saturdays and Sundays,” Mr Marshall said.
Speed restrictions will be in place for the safety of workers, motorists and other road users. Motorists are advised to plan their journey, allow extra travel time and follow all signs.
The latest works follow similar road reconstruction work nearby at the Arding Road intersection of the New England Highway earlier this year. This new work zone is just a kilometre away.
“The New England Highway is an important corridor for residents, tourists and heavy freight,” Mr Marshall said.
“The NSW Government is funding this $1.9 million project to improve a section of the Highway just south of Armidale while the Arding Road intersection rebuild was a $1.3 million project.
“More than $3 million was spent replacing the road pavement just north of Uralla recently.
“These projects are continuing to provide a safer and smoother journey for all road users.”