The New South Wales Port to REZ program is fostering a range of road upgrades in key regions around the state that will also deliver broader benefits to the heavy vehicle sector and local communities.
A contract has been awarded to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd to deliver the first stage of the $128 million project, which is aimed at bolstering the routes to the state’s renewable energy zones so oversize overmass vehicles are able to easily travel to their destinations.
The Minns Labor government is investing $110.5 million into the project, while the federal government is investing a further $18 million.
The first stage of works includes upgrades at 19 locations from the Port of Newcastle to Elong Elong near Dubbo to unlock access to the Central-West Orana Renewable Zone. Construction is expected to start in the coming weeks and create 60 jobs.
Upgrades will include pavement widening, drainage adjustments, new turning lanes and relocation or adjustment of utilities.
Minister for Roads and Road Transport Jenny Aitchison says while the project is aimed at improving oversized load access to the regions, all road users stand to benefit from the project.
“The appointment of a contractor to lead the work to enable to safe movement of wind and solar farm components on the road network is great news,” Aitchison says.
“These 19 road upgrades will result in greater capacity and a safer road environment from the Port of Newcastle, through the Hunter and then into the Central West where these farms will be located.
“The beneficiaries will be all motorists, not just those driving oversized loads.”
The news of the awarding of the first Port to REZ construction contract has come on the tails of a key milestone being passed in construction of the Parkes Bypass, where traffic moved onto the new section of road on Tuesday.
Aitchison also drove along the new 10.5-kilometre section of the Newell Highway that has been built to allow motorists to bypass Parkes.
It is expected 1200 trucks per day will be removed from local streets as a result of the bypass.
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