Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspects progress on the upgrade and sealing of Bingara Road near Bundarra.
Monday, 28 October 2019
ONE of the region’s busy local roads will soon be fully upgraded according to Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who recently inspected an almost $2 million State Government-funded project on Bingara Road, west of Bundarra.
Mr Marshall commended Uralla Shire Council for the work it was doing to upgrade the important freight and tourist link to the region’s west.
“Council road crews have been working hard to get the final 8.4 kilometre unsealed sealed of road finished and delivering benefits to the rural sector,” Mr Marshall said.
“Road widening is largely complete with council now in the process of preparing the base to start sealing a 2.2 kilometre stretch in the area approaching Saltwater Gully.
“This project is also allowing council to update existing low-level bridges and I’m pleased to say work on the widening of the Myall Swamp box culvert will take place in the lead up to Christmas.
“The culvert works will provide important all-weather access for larger heavy vehicles and provide an alternate access road between Thunderbolt and Fossicker Way through to the Gwydir Highway.
“The final two kilometre section to be sealed is scheduled for early next year and will mark the completion of the upgrade.”
Mr Marshall said the project would be a huge win for locals, farmers and tourists.
“Bingara Road has seen a huge increase in traffic in the last few years, as Copeton has become a more popular holiday and recreation spot,” Mr Marshall said.
“Sealing the road will dramatically improve safety for motorists, but also allow farmers to run B-double trucks for the very first time, which will shave 50 kilometres off the heavy vehicle freight route and save everyone thousands of dollars each year.
“This ensures the road is able to carry the food, produce and raw materials that support the local community.”
The work will provide all-weather access for larger heavy vehicles and providing an alternate access road between Thunderbolt and Fossickers Way through to the Gwydir Highway.
“With more non-local traffic on the road recently, there’s also been an increase in the number of accidents on the gravel section, so having the road sealed the whole way will make it even easier for people to get to and from Copeton Dam safely,” Mr Marshall said.
The $1.976 million grant for the project, from the NSW Fixing Country Roads program, is being matched by $800,000 from council.
Council has previously secured almost $5.5 million from the NSW Government to replace Emu Crossing, Abington and Mihi Creek Bridges, also on the local road network.