Funding announced for Clergate Rd upgrade

The announcement of $650,000 federal funding will lead to an upgrade of Clergate Rd.

The funding, from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, will lead to road improvements between Quartz St and Raltson Drive.

Orange Mayor, Reg Kidd, said he was delighted that Orange City Council can work with the Australian Government to deliver better roads for the region.


UPGRADE: Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Orange Mayor Reg Kidd and Technical Services Director Ian Greenham visit the location of the proposed road upgrade in Clergate Rd.

“Right alongside the distributor road, this area of North Orange is a hub for a growing industrial sector,” Cr Reg KIdd said. “The problem is that different parts of this estate are still linked by a narrow rural road which has out-lived its former purpose as a link road to local farms.”

“We’ll need some more support from the NSW Government to get this job done, but this sign of support from the Australian Government is a step in the right direction.

“We’ve started work to improve the road by adding streetlights, kerb and gutters, and we’re looking forward to making further improvements to the north towards Ralston Drive.”

Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the Stage 2 upgrade, designed to improve traffic flow, would make the road safer and more accessible for the growing Orange and surrounding region.

“Clergate Road was once a low-traffic country road, however as Orange’s population and economy boomed, the road became an essential route for the community.

“This road connects Orange residents to the northern industrial area and to many of our surrounding towns. That is why it is essential that Clergate Road is fit for purpose and safe.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the Government is playing our part by investing in road safety projects to get people where they need to be sooner and safer.

“Road crashes are estimated to cost the national economy around $30 billion a year but the even greater cost is the immeasurable suffering of families affected by road deaths.

“This vital upgrade, which will stretch from the corner of Clergate Road to Ralston Drive, will ensure that truckies, commuters and tourists reach their destination safely.

“It will also ensure that essential, shovel-ready projects can get moving as soon as possible, while increasing job opportunities for local tradies here in the Central West.”

/Public Release. View in full here.