The landscape on the eastern entrance to Bathurst is starting to change, with work on the $45 million Great Western Highway upgrade from Kelso to Raglan now more than six months along.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said site establishment and initial work has been completed and the project had moved into the general earthworks phase.
“Earthwork and ground stabilisation in front of the Bathurst Regional Airport is now complete, telecommunications have been relocated through the majority of the project length and earthwork has now commenced opposite the BP,” Mr Toole said.
Mr Toole said as well as the visible progress being made, another positive aspect of the project has been the high rate of local contractor engagement.
“The ability to employ local contractors and boost the local economy is something we’re extremely pleased about – a number of local companies have been involved in the project to date, employing over 25 people so far,” Mr Toole said.
“This is on top of the 11 people that Transport for NSW directly employed to work on the project in May this year.”
This most recent activity on the Kelso to Raglan upgrade follows on from work that started in March to remove the avenue of poplars from the northern side of the highway to make way for a widened road.
A new treescape will be planted in this area at the conclusion of the project in 2023.
The next phase of the project will involve stormwater, kerb and pavement works.
The NSW Government has committed $45 million in funding to upgrade the Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan to improve safety and reduce travel time along this section of the highway.
Changed traffic conditions remain in place, with a 60 km/h speed limit alongside barriers from Napoleon Street to Ceramic Avenue.
Motorists should follow the direction of traffic control and all signs, including reduced speed limits.
For more information and to see the artist’s impression visit nswroads.work/kelsotoraglan