A $30 million project to upgrade a stretch of road between Orange and Mudgee and build a new bridge over the Macquarie is set to get underway in the new year.
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Drilling rigs, excavators and engineering geologists will start geotechnical work on the new Dixons Long Point Crossing in the first week of 2022.
The $29.8 million development includes the construction of a bridge across the Macquarie River at Dixons Long Point and a three-kilometre sealed road on the approaches to the crossing, linking Orange and Mudgee.
Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the start of geotechnical work is a significant milestone that comes some 150 years after the project was first mooted.
"Residents have been fighting for this important river crossing and upgraded road since the days of the gold rush. That's why the Australian Government has committed just shy of $30 million to the project," Mr Gee said.
The geotechnical work will involve geologists collecting rock samples for strength assessment and the potential to reuse any material in construction.
... we are now on track to ensure we can realise this significant project that will benefit the region and New South Wales for years to come.
- Member for Calare Andrew Gee
A number of test pits will also be dug along the road alignment to allow for laboratory testing and pavement design.
"I'm delighted we're at this stage," Mr Gee said.
"While we have experienced a delay in the project's timeline this year because of COVID-19 lockdowns and the need to address cultural heritage issues, we are now on track to ensure we can realise this significant project that will benefit the region and New South Wales for years to come."
Mr Gee said the new road and crossing will open up access between the Central West and Newcastle/Hunter Valley regions, delivering economic and tourism benefits for current and future generations, including primary producers.
But he stressed the project will also deliver improved safety and access for residents.
Mr Gee said he had spent the past few months working with the Mid-Western Regional Council, and representatives of the Wellington Valley Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation, the Murong Gialinga Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation and the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council to address cultural heritage concerns with a section of the road.
"Representatives of local Indigenous groups raised concerns about some sections of the planned route earlier this year. The Mid-Western Regional Council and environmental consultants OzArk have spent the last few months redesigning a 300-metre section of the project to protect local cultural heritage," he said.
"Surveyors navigated COVID-19 lockdowns to peg out the new route before all stakeholders were able to visit and walk the proposed route."
He added there is a consensus the new route "is much better" and now avoids "sensitive and important Indigenous cultural heritage areas" while still delivering a viable transport option that will ensure the project provides a safe, efficient and state-of-the-art road linking Mudgee, the Cabonne Shire and Orange.
The slightly adjusted route also includes a new downstream location for the river crossing.
He said the whole process had been about "working together with trust and respect to find a solution that will work for, and benefit, everyone".
"I believe it has brought all parties onto one page to work cohesively towards a common goal," Mr Gee said.
Geotechnical drilling rigs and excavators are likely to be on site for much of January completing the necessary works.
He said it was not possible to commence the drilling work until cultural heritage issues were addressed.
Once the geotechnical work is complete and environmental approvals are granted, a contract will be finalised, Mr Gee said.
