The newest section of a $14.7 million road project connecting Orange’s southern outskirts has been officially opened to traffic.
The key transport link enhances connections between growing residential areas and critical health and industrial zones.
The 1.7 km road, now named Brabham Way, extends the former Southern Feeder Road from the Mitchell Highway, passing through a new roundabout at Shiralee Road. The project also includes a $3.1 million upgrade of a 809-metre section of Shiralee Road, stretching from Brabham Way to the railway level crossing and Woodward Street.
Representatives of the State and Federal Government joined with Orange community leaders recently to officially open the new road.
Orange Mayor, Tony Mileto said he was pleased to see the new road open to traffic.
“Orange City Council has been working steadily over the last decade to connect key economic and housing development areas in Orange’s south to the Mitchell Highway, and this next stage will add another important link,” Mayor Mileto said.
“It’s the kind of high transport infrastructure that a growing city like Orange needs and we thank the State and Federal Government for sharing in the funding package to make this happen.”
The newly named Brabham Way incorporates the previous routes of four roads – Dairy Creek Road, Blowes Road, Huntley Road, and Park Road. Last year, following community consultation, Orange City Council decided to unify these roads under a single name. The name Brabham Way was chosen to honour Sir Jack Brabham, a motorsport legend who competed at the nearby Gnoo Blas racing circuit, as well as the adjacent sports fields that bear his name.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said, “it’s great to see this section of the project complete and now linking key parts of the city.”
“Orange is a dynamic regional city and this essential project makes it easier for residents and businesses to get to where they need to go, increasing the efficiency of local transportation,” Minister Moriarty said.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said the NSW Government was pleased to support these vital infrastructure upgrades for Orange and the Central West region.
“Our $6.2 million funding contribution towards the upgrade of the Southern Feeder Road including Shiralee Road will make it safer and easier for residents and visitors,” said Mr Scully.
“These upgrades will not only increase economic development for the region, but will help support the estimated 1800 new and existing homes.”
The latest $14.7 million stage of the Brabham Way was funded with $4.4 million from Council, $4.55 million from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, $2 million from the Federal Heavy Vehicle Safety & Productivity Program, $3.55 million from the Federal Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program, and $262,000 from the NSW Government’s Low Cost Loans Initiative program.
The $3.1 million upgrade of Shiralee Road between the new roundabout and the railway level crossing was funded with $1.7 million from Orange City Council and $1.4 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Fund program.
Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Jeff Whitton said the Council is already looking forward Brabham Way being extended even further.
“It’s fantastic to see this work completed but we’re already looking towards the next phases of this project,” Cr Whitton said.
“We already have the designs to take Brabham Way right through to Pinnacle Road. We’re shovel-ready when it comes to making future applications to the right grant program as they emerge.”
