Sealing the deal six months early for far west
2 August 2019
The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to improve connectivity in the bush with the sealing of the State’s two most remote highways on track to be completed six months ahead of schedule.
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 170 kilometres of the Silver City and Cobb Highways will see improved freight access and increased flood immunity which will support regional development and road safety,” Mr Toole said.
“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 24 kilometres along the Silver City Highway, with 3.4 kilometres underway at Peak Hill Central and 3.2 kilometres underway at Shannon’s Creek North.
“Meanwhile we’ve completed 5.4 kilometres along the Cobb Highway with 5.5 kilometres underway at Gypsum North.
“There are now just 84.1 kilometres remain unsealed along the Silver City Highway, and 85.5 kilometres 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. For more information on the project visit Cobb Highway and Silver City Highway sealing and upgrade program.