Work on Bathurst’s $5 million bike park is moving at breakneck speed.

So far, more than 15,000 tonnes of soil has been gouged out of the site, making way for the construction of a velodrome and the connection of services such as power, sewer and water.

It is expected another 15,000 tonnes will be moved on the site in coming weeks as part of the massive project being undertaken by local company EODO Pty Ltd. 

Owner Bruce Goddard said they were more than happy with the way things are going.

“The weather’s been kind to us so far,” he said. “No earth has been taken from the site so far. It’s a cut and fill job.

“The soil taken from the side of the hill where the clubhouse will be located is being used to create the perfect amphitheatre for the track in the valley.”

Mr Goddard said a number of people have commented about the speedy progress of the project.

“We’ve got two excavators, two articulated tracks, a grader, two rollers, water trucks and a lot of smaller equipment on site,” he said.

“If all goes to plan, we will finish the earthworks in about two to three weeks, before the services go in. That’s a big job in itself, but there won’t be much to show for that work, unlike the earthworks.

“The plans were given a tweak after consultation with the bike club, but council has been more than helpful with its assistance.”

Mr Goddard said the surface of the velodrome would be similar to a track at Coffs Harbour, which used hot mix asphalt.

“It will measure exactly one third of a kilometre,” he said. 

Other work on the site includes mapping out the mountain bike track. It is expected stage one will cost $1.28 million and it is hoped this initial phase will be completed by the end of 2013.

Cr Greg Westman said an education centre would be located in the centre of the velodrome.

“It’s a teaching facility which is a bit like a mini-roadway where handling skills and road safety can be taught to juniors, as well as being available to the schools,” he said.

Cr Westman said the development would be rolled out over three, or possibly four, stages.

Stage two will be the addition of a kermesse course (road racing track covering 1.2km) and the start of the mountain bike course.

“Stage three is for a BMX track, the completion of the mountain bike course and the finalisation of the car parking area,” he said.