Government and community leaders have turned the first sod to mark the start of work on the next stage of Orange’s Southern Feeder Road from Anson Street to Shiralee Road.
The new $14.7 million section of road will connect the residential areas of south and west Orange to the industrial and health precincts and through to the Mitchell Highway.
Orange Mayor, Jason Hamling welcomed the start of work on Stage 4 to take the road west from Anson Street.
“Over the last 10 years, as funding became available, Orange City Council has been working steadily at building these Southern Feeder Road connections across the railway line and through to the Mitchell Highway,” the Mayor said.
“It’s crucial to deliver the transport infrastructure that a growing city like Orange needs.
“Multi-million-dollar projects like this one can only happen in partnership with all tiers of government and Council is pleased to be working with the NSW and Australian governments to deliver this expansion of our road network.”
The Council has awarded the 1.7km construction contract project to the MAAS group.
The first phase of the project will see construction work begin on a new roundabout at the corner of Park and Shiralee roads. It also includes upgrading a 500-metre section of Shiralee Road from Park Road to the railway level crossing, and the extension of Park Road through to the top of Anson Street.
“It is critical that regional communities have safe and reliable infrastructure. I’m proud to be working with local councils like Orange City Council to deliver the new and improved roads, such as this Southern Feeder Road, that our regions need and deserve,” said Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain.
“This project will improve road safety and amenity for all road users, as well as better connect the community of Orange and support tourism.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown said the project will leave a lasting legacy for the Orange area by bolstering road safety and stimulating the local economy.
“This is a great example of why the Australian Government is investing an ongoing commitment of at least $65 million every year in the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, to ensure our truckies have the safe and efficient freight connections they need to get around,” she said.
The project is expected to be finished in about 12 months.
Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Jack Evans said Council was already looking forward to the next stages of the Southern Feeder Road and had requested staff to progress designs to be shovel ready for grant applications.
“It’s fantastic to see work beginning but we’re already looking towards the next phases of this project,” Cr Evans said.
