Construction works start on $3.4 million Millie Road upgrade

Construction works have started on a $3.49 million upgrade of Millie Road following multiple delays due to flooding and adverse weather.

The project, funded through round one of the NSW government’s Fixing Local Roads Program, aims to improve road safety outcomes at the Millie Road, Waiwera Lane and Glenroy Road intersections.

Current works include approximately 2.36 kilometres of greenfield road construction to alleviate previous substandard alignment issues and 4.3 kilometres of unsealed road upgrades, intersection improvement works, drainage improvements and signage upgrades.

In a statement, Narrabri Shire Council general manager Rob Williams said the construction works have been in the pipeline for quite some time, but despite council’s best efforts they were hampered by weather conditions out of their control.

“These upgrades have been a priority for council, but the continued flooding and less than ideal weather has meant we’ve seen significant delays,” Mr Williams said.

“The project, once finished, will see a safer section of road, increased efficiencies for haulage operators and a resilient road asset for years to come.”

Although the project began early in the 2022-23 financial year, progress has been slow due to wet weather days and council’s workforce managing the emergency flood response.

Crews have commenced construction of the greenfield sections of Millie Road and Waiwera Lane, with hopes of a permanent traffic switch onto the new alignment.

Council anticipates the works will be completed by mid-April 2023 – pending weather conditions.

Additional projects also funded in different rounds of the NSW government’s Fixing Local Roads program include pavement rehabilitation of 4.6 kilometres of Doreen Lane and improvements to the Yarrie Lake Road to Pilliga Road freight route.