THE landscape around Raglan is about to change as work gets under way on a $45 million road project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The multimillion-dollar investment will see the duplication of the Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan, making the busy road safer and more efficient.
It follows on from the duplication of the road at Kelso, work on which came to an end in 2017.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was a continuation of those works.
"This project is going to see another 3.6 kilometres of improvements being made to the Great Western Highway," he said.
"Recently, we have seen improvements made here in Kelso. We've seen a project worth $104 million being spent, so this is the next stage that is going to see upgrades to the road."
The upgrade will create two lanes in both directions from Ashworth Drive to Napoleon Street, and two lanes eastbound and one lane westbound from Napoleon Street to the east of Ceramic Avenue.
There will also be new turning paths at highway intersections and traffic lights installed at the PJ Moodie Memorial Drive intersection, which provides access to the airport.
Pedestrians and bicycle riders will also benefit from the massive project, with a shared footpath from Ashworth Drive to Eugenie Street to be constructed.
Temporary safety barriers will be installed from Monday to separate the construction site from motorists.
The installation of the barriers will begin with a section between Ceramic Avenue and PJ Moodie Memorial Drive (eastbound detour).
The second section will be installed on Tuesday between PJ Moodie Memorial Drive and Locke Street (westbound detour).
This work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm and is expected to take two days to complete, weather permitting.
Efforts will be taken to minimise the impact on motorists.
Earthworks will commence shortly, following on from the early works that occurred in November and December.
In addition to improving the road, the project will also create 150 jobs within the community.
Head of Transport for NSW's western region, Alistair Lunn, said the work between Kelso and Raglan was part of a much bigger project to improve the Great Western Highway, with projects occurring in other areas, including Walang and Meadow Flat.
"It is really a commitment to helping the Central West grow," he said.
Mr Toole added, "In total, there's probably over $60 million being invested on the section of road between Lithgow and Bathurst."
Mayor of Bathurst Bobby Bourke also welcomed the start of the project, saying he was pleased to have the support of the NSW Government again.
He said the upgrade will be particularly helpful during major race events, such as the Bathurst 1000, which create a lot of congestion.
The upgrade is anticipated to be ready in 2023.
