Orange’s newest roundabout tackles Woodward St Black Spot

30 June 2017

A new roundabout at the busy intersection of Woodward and Moulder Streets in Orange is already improving driver safety in the city.

The $635,000 Black Spot project was fully funded by the Australian Government, with Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester describing the upgrade as a ‘congestion buster’.

“This new roundabout has been designed to enable more free flowing traffic in an area known for congestion and risky motorist behaviour,” Mr Chester said.

“Road accidents cause an enormous amount of strain on communities and emergency services, and upgrades like this one help reduce incidents while providing a more efficient, stress free trip through the Orange CBD.”

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the new roundabout proved how valuable the Black Spot program was at the local level.

“By directly and fully funding these works, we’ve improved local road safety and eased the financial burden on Orange City Council, which was able to build the new roundabout and put in line marking, lighting and the necessary signage,” Mr Gee said.

“This will ease traffic flow for tourists and local motorists travelling through the CBD, who know how frustrating queuing in the Moulder Street approach can be as they wait for a break in Woodward Street traffic.”

Orange Mayor John Davis OAM was delighted the project had been delivered on time and on-budget following the start of work in mid-April this year.

“I know there’s been some impact on a number of local business while passing traffic in Moulder Street was affected, and I thank them for their patience while the new roundabout was built,” Cr Davis said.

“I know they’ll be as happy as everyone else who uses this intersection that’s it’s now a lot safer and that traffic will be turning with added safety. It’s good for the Council to work in partnership with the Australian Government to deliver important grassroots infrastructure like this new roundabout.”

"It makes sense that there'll be more passing trade for businesses, if it's easier to turn in and out of Moulder St because of this roundabout."

Local business impact

"I'd also like to pay tribute to the work of local business Forefront Services who were the contractors for this project," John Davis said. "Over the 10 weeks of this project there were between 12 and 38 people working on the site each day... All locals and local contractors who picked up work because of this project."

The Australian Government fully funded the $635,000 project, which was delivered by Orange City Council.

The roundabout was funded under the 2016-17 round of the Black Spot Programme. A further 52 Black Spot projects across New South Wales will be delivered in 2017–18.

OPEN FOR TRAFFIC : Checking out the new roundabout are Forefront staff (l. to r.) Ross Theobold, Tim McAlister and Anthony Redmond, together with Member for Calare Andrew Gee and Mayor John Davis.