Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall MP inspecting the upgraded section of Thunderbolts Way, north of Bundarra.
Tuesday, 20 August 2019
MOTORISTS travelling on Thunderbolts Way between Bundarra and Inverell will notice a smoother drive north of the township, with a $300,000 road widening and resurfacing project now complete.
Mr Marshall recently inspected the almost two kilometres of upgraded road, which was funded by the State Government as part of its Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access Program.
Mr Marshall said the funding eased the financial burden on Uralla Shire Council, allowing it to extend its roadworks program on Thunderbolts Way and bring the project forward a number of years.
“Thunderbolts Way is now wider and more stable meaning it can better handle heavy vehicle traffic coming into Bundarra from the north,” Mr Marshall said.
“The road is now noticeably wider allowing for large trucks to pass each other safely, with the shoulders also extended and pre-existing surface and road pavement stabilised.
“Uralla Shire Council staff did a great job delivering this road project.”
Mr Marshall said Thunderbolts Way was one of the most important transport links in the region.
“Every day millions of dollars in agricultural produce travels to and from market along Thunderbolts Way,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s important for the health of the region’s economy that council and government continue to work together to maintain important freight links like this.
“This particular funding came from the NSW Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access Program which allowed eligible councils to apply for up to $300,000 to help with road maintenance and improvements to accommodate increased freight movements caused by the drought.
“Since this funding round opened in 2018 it has saved councils in the Northern Tablelands $1.73 million with funding for 10 individual projects.”