The highly anticipated Boundary Road Extension project is now open to motorists following an official unveiling on Thursday morning.
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) Mayor Mathew Dickerson was on hand to share a BBQ breakfast with Council staff that were involved in the delivery of the project.
Councillor Dickerson said the completion of this main arterial road will provide key transport benefits for the whole community.
“Data collected over the years demonstrates that a lot of commuters travel East for a variety of reasons, school drop off and pickups, shopping, work plus may other things. Dubbo Regional Council have invested over $4.7 million into this key project that will create a strategic link for many commuters but particularly for those travelling between South Dubbo and the Sheraton Road School precinct,” said Cr Dickerson.
The completion of the extension of Boundary Road to Sheraton Road forms a critical piece of Council’s longer term strategy to develop a Southern distributor road corridor, which will ultimately link the Mitchell Highway and Blueridge Business Park with Dubbo’s Central Business District.
The significant infrastructure project received $4 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Housing Acceleration Fund.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders commended everyone involved in the project, which is a key aspect of council’s long-term transport management strategy.
“Our region is growing at a rate of knots and there’s a desperate need for more housing to accommodate the many people keen to call Dubbo home,” Mr Saunders said.
“This project will make a real, tangible difference on the roads for thousands of local families, making it easier and safer to get around.”
Stage 2 of Boundary Road is a 1.2 kilometre, two lane, asphalted and fully kerbed extension. The stretch of road includes integrated bike lanes, street lighting and underground electricity, telecommunications, sewer and stormwater infrastructure as well as a footpath on the southern side.
The project was originally expected to be complete in late 2020 however COVID-19 restrictions and changes to underground utility requirements have resulted in delays to the delivery timeframe.
DRC’s Manager Infrastructure Strategy and Design, Chris Godfrey said it was important to future-proof the city for future developments.
“There were significant delays associated with this project, however it was essential that Council and the utility providers were proactive with additional requirements for servicing to ensure we have the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate both residential and commercial developments for decades to come.
“There have been significant development announcements in recent years in relation to South East Dubbo. Some large commercial developments such as the land swap between Council and the RSL have meant we need increased utility service capacity in the South East to accommodate for the increasing growth,” said Mr Godfrey.
Dubbo Regional Council appreciate the community’s understanding during the project delivery period.
