ONE of the region’s busy local roads will soon be fully upgraded after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announced almost $2 million in State Government funding for Uralla Shire Council.
Mr Marshall said the $1.976 million grant from the NSW Fixing Country Roads program would be matched by $800,000 from council to widen and bitumen seal the remaining 8.4 kilometre stretch of Bingara Road, between Bundarra and Copeton Dam and Bingara.
He 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 works will also replace existing low-level bridges and culverts and provide all-weather access for larger heavy vehicles and providing an alternate access road between Thunderbolt and Fossicker 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.
“I congratulate Uralla Shire Council on securing this funding and being proactive in improving the local road network.”
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.
The Fixing Country Road program complements the Fixing Country Rail initiative, with both focusing on improving freight infrastructure and efficiency across the state.
The NSW Government has set aside more than $1 billion for regional road and rail projects under its Fixing Country Roads, Fixing Country Rail and Bridges for the Bush program.