Construction commences on Icely Road roundabout

The roundabout is fully funded by the Federal Government with $225,000 allocated to the project under the Federal Government’s Black Spot Programme.

The roundabout is being constructed by Orange City Council at the Wakeford Street, Winter Street and Icely Road intersection.

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said this funding was part of the Australian Government’s allocation of $19.2 million for 52 Black Spot projects across New South Wales in 2017–18.

“This holiday season has shone a light on the importance of road safety and I’m very pleased that the Federal Government is able to assist Orange City Council to improve safety on our roads,” Mr Gee said.

“This new roundabout will better manage the traffic flow through the area. I think local residents will welcome it.

“By funding these works, we will improve road safety and slow vehicles down, which is important given the proximity to Canobolas Rural Technology High School, Mr Gee said.

“Community safety is paramount and programs like the Black Spot Programme save the community many times the cost of these road improvements that are implemented,” Mr Gee said.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said preliminary work on the roundabout began in December but the major work was being done now, during the school holidays to minimise the impact on the school and its students.

“We’ve been in talks with the school and nearby residents to ensure there is as little disruption as possible,” Cr Kidd said.

“The plan is to have the majority of the work finished by Australia Day but that is entirely dependent on weather.

“It is an important project and while there will be disruption during construction, the result will be worth the temporary inconvenience.

“The ‘mountable’ style of roundabout being constructed, is often described a bit like a pancake and is designed to allow school buses to easily manoeuvre around it.

“It will make the area a lot more bus friendly and it will finish up looking like the roundabout at the Gardiner Road and Lords Place Street intersection.”

Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Sam Romano said the intersection was designed with a high number of pedestrians in mind.

“This design will slow vehicles down but allow for a much more smooth flow of traffic with a single lane entry and exit,” Cr Romano said.

“The single lane makes it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.

“The roundabout will ease traffic flow on Wakeford Street, making it safer to pass through the intersection, where currently there is a stop sign.

“The intersection will be closed for most of the time during the major construction period so it’s best to avoid the area if you can.

“I’d like to thank nearby residents for their patience and understanding during the construction phase.”

The Australian Government has extended the Black Spot Program and is providing $60 million per year from the 2021 to 2022 financial year onwards, building on the current $684.5 million investment from the 2013 to 2014 financial year to the 2020 to 2021 financial year.