New southern feeder road stage officially opened

The latest stage of Orange’s southern feeder road has been completed and was officially opened today.

Work on the $7.5 million two-kilometre-long Stage 3 project began in June last year. The project upgraded the former Dairy Creek Road and Blowes Road from Elsham Avenue through to the Mitchell Highway.

The project includes a new intersection, meeting the Mitchell Highway about 250 metres west of the former intersection. The new intersection includes turning lanes off the highway and a culvert over a drainage channel.


OPEN: Pictured at the opening of the latest stage of the southern feeder road, are Orange mayor Jason Hamling, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Regional Roads minister Sam Farraway and Orange High captain Ella Lamrock (representing Member for Calare Andrew Gee). CLICK TO SEE LARGER IMAGE.

Traffic has been using the completed sections of the road, east from Elsham Avenue, since late June, while the eastern end of the road opened to traffic a week ago.

Orange Mayor Cr Jason Hamling has welcomed the completion of the latest stage.

“This a crucial piece of infrastructure which links the Mitchell Highway with key health and industry precincts. It lets business operate more efficiently,” Cr Hamling said.

“It also lets local residents move quickly from one side of Orange to another, without being slowed down by traffic in the middle of town. I’m already hearing from local residents who have started to use the road how much they’re appreciating driving from the highway through to the top of Anson street.”

“The new Council is looking forward to work beginning next year on the next stage from Anson Street through to Pinnacle Road. I’d like to congratulate our council staff and the construction contractor Hamcon, who had to respond to very challenging wet as they built this new road.”

Member for Calare Andrew Gee, said the completion of Stage 3 of the major city bypass will help keep communities connected and motorists safe.

“The Southern Feeder Road Project is delivering vital road upgrades across Orange, which will benefit local residents and visitors to the region for generations to come. It will also enable farmers to get their produce to market quickly and freight to move through our region with greater ease. To date, the Australian Government has contributed $10.7 million dollars to the project.

“For years, the former Dairy Creek Road and Blowes Road thoroughfare was a bumpy ride for motorists heading to Leewood Estate, Orange Health Service, Cadia Mine and those heading

to and from the East Coast. The completion of Stage 3 of the project means our community will reach their destinations sooner and safer, with the two-kilometre-long stretch now a dream to drive on. I’m proud the Australian Government contributed $3 million to this section of the upgrade, which has also created a new link to the Shiralee Housing Estate – improving the access of residents to the hospital precinct.”

NSW Government Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway said the latest stage of the road was good news for the local economy.

“The Southern Feeder Road is a vital part of Orange’s heavy freight distributor and the completion of Stage Three means truck drivers now have direct road access to the South Orange Economic Corridor industrial areas,” Mr Farraway said. “This is great news for heavy freight operators and local motorists, as the resurfaced and widened roadway will allow trucks to safely travel nearer to the speed limit while experiencing less vehicle wear and tear.”

Mr Farraway said Stage Three has upgraded and widened a 1.7-kilometre section of Blowes Road and Dairy Creek Road, as well as a new 200-metre section linking the South Orange Economic Development Corridor to the Mitchell Highway, a shared pedestrian and cycle path and stormwater draining and street lighting improvements.

“Locals know all too well that this stretch of road was deteriorated and in need of an upgrade and the new 200-metre section provides a direct link to the Mitchell Highway, providing

convenience improving efficiency,” Mr Farraway said. “Projects like this help boost freight efficiencies, provide better links between residents and employment hubs, improve safety for all road users and reduce environmental and vehicle operating costs.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato welcomed the milestone.

“I welcome the completion of the latest stage of Orange’s Southern Feeder Road Project, helping to ease congestion in the CBD and improving safety for road users,” Mr Phil Donato

said.

The project includes a new shared pedestrian/cycle path from Elsham Avenue to Kurim Avenue, connecting to the existing path which crosses the railway line. There’s also new street

lighting from Elsham Avenue to Lone Pine Avenue and then again at the highway intersection.

Stage 3 of the project was funded by Orange City Council, the Australian Government and the

NSW Government through:

  • The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity program – $3 million
  • The NSW Government’s Infrastructure NSW Program (Regional Growth) – $3 million
  • Orange City Council – $1.5 million

Orange City Council is continuing with planning for Stage 4 of the southern feeder road from Anson Street to Pinnacle Road, which is expected to begin next year. The tender process for

Stage 4 is continuing.

/Public Release. View in full here.