Building bridges in Orange

9 June 2017

Orange Mayor John Davis OAM welcomed the announcement today, by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey, that council will receive more than $3 million for part of the Southern Feeder Road project.

The funding will go towards the $8 million council has already committed to build the road from Huntley Road, over the railway line to Blowes Road. The total cost of that stage of the project is $16.9 million.

"It's fantastic news. This section is a crucial part of the new southern feeder project," Cr Davis said.

"It's right alongside a new housing area, a hospital and an industrial area. Getting a new bridge over the railway line is going to make those great connections and open up this area of south Orange."

"The project is not yet fully funded but we have applied to the federal government for the remaining $3 million and we're confident our submission will get a good hearing."

The 720 metre dual carriageway will connect Huntley Road to Blowes Road, while a further 420 metres of road will be constructed through the old saleyard site, designed to meet the new carriageway.

A concrete bridge will also be constructed over the railway line and a new shared pedestrian and cycle path will be built to link to Orange's existing paths.

Mr Barilaro said the upgrades would benefit mining, agriculture, forestry and manufacturing by creating easy, direct access for large vehicles.

"This new infrastructure will give regional communities easy connections to state-owned roads and highways, allowing goods to be transported faster and more efficiency," he said.

Ms Pavey said better regional roads would lead to stronger local economies, more job opportunities and ultimately stronger communities.

"We are getting on with the job of providing improvements and upgrades across our freight transport networks," she said.

BUILDING BRIDGES: Councillor Ron Gander with Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey and Orange Mayor John Davis.