Sealing works on two of New South Wales’ most remote highways are on track to be completed six months ahead of schedule.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the Nationals in government had prioritised the rebuilding and sealing of the Silver City and Cobb Highways to ensure they were completed in 2022.
“Sealing the last 170km of the Silver City and Cobb Highways will see improved freight access and increased flood immunity which will support regional development and road safety.
“Flood mitigation measures may seem unusual to the communities experiencing drought right now, however history shows these highways can be forced to close up to 12 times per year during heavy rainfall.
“This can result in families being cut off from important services including hospitals, schools and grocery stores.”
Mr Toole said the $145 million project involved substantial earthworks to rebuild and reshape the existing gravel roads, lay down a bitumen seal, line marking and improved drainage on the sides of the road.
“We’ve been able to fast-track these projects and continually roll from one into another thanks to efficient planning and repurposing materials from one project to the next,” Mr Toole said.
“Already this year we have sealed 24km along the Silver City Highway, with 3.4km underway at Peak Hill Central and 3.2km underway at Shannon’s Creek North.
“Meanwhile we’ve completed 5.4km along the Cobb Highway with 5.5km underway at Gypsum North.
“There are now just 84.1km remain unsealed along the Silver City Highway, and 85.5km remain along the Cobb Highway.
“These recently sealed sections are already delivering improved accessibility and productivity for heavy vehicles carrying livestock and feed across western NSW.”
Throughout the course of the project, approximately 150 road workers, trainees and apprentices will be employed each year.
