A REDESIGNED Vale Road upgrade, which will see three trees removed from the elm tree tunnel, has been well received by the community, an Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokeswoman says.
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Original concept plans for a $3 million upgrade of a 1.7 kilometre stretch of the Vale Road north of Perthville attracted widespread criticism after the RMS revealed the elm tree tunnel would be removed.
The RMS said the section of road was rough, narrow and in need of an upgrade to ensure a safer, stronger, longer-lasting road.
However, following a petition and feedback at five separate RMS-led community consultation sessions (in which 128 people attended), plans have been changed.
“The main issues raised were the changes to the design, in particular retaining the tunnel of trees and retaining the parking opposite the Perthville shops,” an RMS spokeswoman said.
“In the amended design, three trees are proposed to be removed in the tunnel and three outside the tunnel, which has been received well by the community.”
Three trees are proposed to be removed in the tunnel and three outside the tunnel.
- RMS spokeswoman
The road’s surface has been changed from gravel to asphalt, and is designed to have a 40 year life with 10 yearly maintenance.
“The change will have a minimal impact on the tree roots beneath the road. Adjustments to the project will not change the design cost,” the RMS spokeswoman said.
“There are no plans to change the speed limit along this section of road.”
Road safety expert and Perthville resident, Matt Irvine, said the redesigned plans were a good result for the community.
“The outcry was recognised and the RMS, to their credit, listened to that,” he said.
Mr Irvine said with through traffic to Gouburn increasing on Vale Road, the upgrade was needed.
The community will be asked for feedback on the review of environmental factors in the coming months.
The design for the project will be finalised early next year with major work to start soon after.
The redesigned plans will remain on display until October 30 at: Bathurst Regional Library, Service NSW Bathurst and Perthville Community Hall. No RMS staff will be at these locations.
The RMS have also asked for community feedback via an online survey at rms.work/valeroadupgrade.