The next scheduled stage of the Shire’s Old South Road improvement project is underway. Stage 3 works (north of Aylmerton Rd) commenced on 8 January 2024 to reconstruct approximately 1.3km of road. The work includes pavement reconstruction and safety improvements, such as the installation of crash barriers, shoulder widening and sealing. By focussing on key design parameters such as road widths and elevations, Council and its designers were able to rationalise desired outcomes and maintain the ecologically sensitive environment whilst also providing cost efficiencies. This has paved the way for the additional 1.3km of road reconstruction north of Aylmerton Road.
The contract to rehabilitate the road was awarded to Stefanutti Construction Pty Ltd in October 2022 at a cost of $11.56 million, with Stage 3 expected to be completed by end of May, weather permitting.
Stages 1 and 2 of the project were completed before Christmas, except for some minor line marking and remediations. Since then, a 1.5km section of the rehabilitated road (near Merrigang Street end) rapidly showed signs of deterioration. Council has engaged engineering/geotechnical investigations, with a report expected by the end of the week. This will provide necessary information as to why the failure occurred and determine how best to correct the damage. Residents can be assured that Council will work with the Contractor to remediate the road as soon as practicably possible.
Council apologises for any further inconvenience caused while the assessment and repairs are being carried out. We thank the community for their patience and understanding while this major road construction is underway. For updates on the Old South Road Rehabilitation Project visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/old-south-road.
