Almost $3 million has been allocated to improve one of Narrabri Shire’s important freight routes.

The state government announced funding towards the sealing of Yarrie Lake Road to Pilliga Road, support which has been welcomed by Narrabri Shire Council.

The boost for the transport route comes as part of $45 million provided for transport corridors in the western regions of the state.

It forms part of the Fixing Local Roads program.

Mayor Ron Campbell said the local investment was fantastic news for freight connectivity to greater Western NSW.

“The upgrade will mitigate against the accessibility issues currently faced at the Womera Creek flood way during periods of medium to large rain events where the road becomes inaccessible,” he said.

“This inaccessibility during flooding events causes significant delays particularly to freight providers who are required to take a 55-kilometre detour via the Kamilaroi Highway.

“Council will seal 4.5 kilometres of currently unsealed road on Womera Creek Road. These works will also include; widening and strengthening of the road, construction of a concrete floodway and pipe culverts to improve access during times of flood for heavy vehicles, and intersection upgrades to both Pilliga Road/Womera Creek Road and Sandy Hook Lane/Womera Creek road intersections to improve visibility.”

“Council has secured this funding through round three of the NSW government’s Fixing Local Roads program,” Cr Campbell said.

Cr Campbell said council has been successful in obtaining funding for a number of road infrastructure projects.

“This funding will see $14.8 million worth of shire-wide projects completed,” he said.

These projects include a $6.2 million Pilliga Road upgrade, $1.8 million in funding for Doreen Lane rehabilitation, the $3.2 million Boston Street Bridge replacement and a $3.6 million Millie Road upgrade.

Announcing the Yarrie Lake Road funding, and the support across western areas, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said the state government’s investment would help council repair, maintain and seal priority roads.

“We know that sometimes it’s small projects that can drive big benefits in the bush, and this program is helping to deliver better journeys on the roads that families, freight and farmers use every day,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall and Upper House member Sam Farraway echoed similar sentiments to Mr Toole.

Mr Marshall said projects like the local road upgrade give councils a significant boost in maintaining the roads that really matter to country communities.

“There’s never been a more important time to invest in the road infrastructure across the region, helping deliver safer and more efficient journeys for freight operators and primary producers who use these roads every day,” he said.

Mr Farraway said the state-wide road upgrades deliver direct benefits to regional communities by supporting jobs.

Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million NSW government program, which was boosted by the Commonwealth government over the first two rounds with an additional injection of $191 million.

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