Forest Road tender awarded

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said it was wonderful that three levels of government and the private sector have been able to work together to fund this much needed project.

“Forest Road is one of Orange’s busiest roads and the upgrade of this road has been high on the list of priorities for both the community and Orange City Council,” Cr Kidd said.

“It’s fantastic we’ve been able to work with the Australian Government, NSW Government and the new private hospital, to be built on Forest Road, to achieve the funding needed to begin this major road upgrade.”

The contract was partly funded by a $1.55 million investment from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Resources for Regions program, the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program contributed $488,339 and the remaining balance was provided by the new private hospital planning agreement and funding from Orange City Council.

Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said he was pleased the Federal Government has been able to contribute to this upgrade.

“Everyone has been very keen to get this project cracking and it’s terrific to see that work is going to get underway soon. The upgrade will make the road safer,” Mr Gee said.

“The Roads to Recovery program supports the maintenance of local road infrastructure, and Forest Road can be busier than Pitt Street sometimes, so the awarding of this tender will be welcomed by the whole community.”

The project will see the upgrade of 1,400 metres of Forest Road from the Southern Feeder Road intersection, alongside Sir Jack Brabham Park, to the entrance of the new hospital.

As well as an upgrade of the road, the project will include street lighting and the construction of parking bays alongside Jack Brabham sports fields.

A contract for the installation of the street lighting and traffic signals has gone out to tender.

“Of all the roads in Orange, Forest Road receives the most feedback from the community regarding its condition,” Cr Kidd said.

“It’s the main road to the hospital and the main road used by Cadia Valley Operations employees.

“This road upgrade will benefit every person in the Orange LGA and the thousands who visit the hospital from outside the area every year.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless, said the NSW Government is proud to invest in this important road upgrade.

“We are committed to addressing infrastructure constraints in our regional heartland through investments from the Resources for Regions program,” Mr Colless said.

“This program has contributed $241 million in funding to 44 regional projects across a range of sectors.”

The project will include: