Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall inspecting the almost complete $15.2 million bitumen sealing of the 56-kilometre Carrigan Road, between Boomi and Mungindi.
Tuesday, 4 May 2021
THE major $15.2 million upgrade of Carrigan Road, between Mungindi and Boomi, is only weeks away from completion, with an excited Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week inspecting progress on the final seven-kilometre section of unsealed road.
Mr Marshall said by the end of June the entire 56 kilometres of road will be sealed between the two agricultural communities.
“Without a doubt this has been one of the most strategically important council road projects to take place in the Moree Plains in a generation,” Mr Marshall said.
“Of the final unsealed stretch, two kilometres has been formed up with Moree Plains Shire Council crews expected to start laying the seal this week.
“By the end of June, council expects its crews will drive off Carrigan Road having completed the entire seal ahead of time and on budget.
“With more than $20 million of agricultural product traveling off farm and along the freight corridor each year the economic value all-weather access delivers to the Moree Plains Shire cannot be under estimated.
“Also, the community will now have greater peace of mind that emergency services will have improved access in a disaster and children will have a smoother and safer ride on the school bus.
“This upgrade of Carrigan Road something many in the district believed would never happen, having unsuccessfully campaigned for its sealing for more than 20 years and now it’s almost finished!
“I can’t wait to get back to Boomi and Mungindi in two months’ time to join the communities in marking the historic official opening of the sealed Carrigan Road.”
Mr Marshall gave recognition to the engineers and road crews from Council, who have worked on the project since the first tranche of State Government funding was announced in 2018.
“The high quality workmanship which gone into forming up and sealing Carrigan Road has already withstood its first major test,” he said.
“In the past the slightest rain event would force the road’s closure and any inundation caused thousands of dollars and many hours of repair work.
“The new surface not only withstood the March flood with no damage but it was also one of the first roads to be reopened to traffic when the water got away.
“The standard of work is absolutely second to none and I congratulate and thank those who have worked to build such a high quality road that will serve the local community and industry for many years to come.”