The $85 million project in Kelso will see the road into Bathurst widened to accommodate more motorists.

And plans have been established to reopen Lee Street near the railway line during construction on the highway to divert traffic during peak hours. 

Businesses in the industrial area have praised Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for the initiative, but are concerned the million dollar infrastructure put in place to reopen Lee Street will go to waste once the expansion is complete. 

Business owner Jeff Clements believes keeping Lee Street open indefinitely will be of great benefit to Bathurst.

“I love what the RMS is doing. It’s great that they’re going to widen the road, it’s just what they’re doing to Lee Street,” he said. 

“It’s not just a convenience thing, it may even open the area up.”

Mr Clements believes having Lee Street open on a permanent basis will offer people alternate access to businesses in Lee Street and be of great use should an accident occur on the Great Western Highway or along the road to Oberon. 

“I would like to see Lee Street stay open for light traffic with a fixed weight,” he said.

“It affects people everywhere if anything happens on that road.”

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole emphasised the importance of widening the highway first and said further discussion with relevant parties would have to be had in regard to Lee Street at a later date. 

“My first priority is to see the upgrade to the Great Western Highway, which is an $85 million project funded by the government,” he said.

Mr Toole added that safety around the railway would be of highest concern if Lee Street was to be kept open after the planned work is completed. At this stage, Lee Street will require resurfacing and work to the level railway crossing before it can be reopened. 

Motorists on O’Connell Road will be able to turn onto Lee Street, just past The Scots School, and drive across the former rail level crossing. From there, they will proceed onto Stockland Drive, behind Bunnings, before re-entering the highway.