The new 20-kilometre stretch of the Pilliga Road between Pilliga and Wee Waa is set to receive $7.84 million in upgrades.
Works will involve reconstructing major flood ways and large sections of road pavement on Pilliga Road in Narrabri Shire.
As a sealed regional road and part of the main East/West transport link, Pilliga Road connects Coonamble, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Narrabri, while also serving as a direct link to the Kamilaroi Highway.
This forms part of the freight route between Narrabri Shire and the ports of Newcastle, Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), Port Botany and Port Kembla.
Regional industries also rely on this route, including the very productive agricultural sector based on cotton, grains, and livestock as well as timber, coal mining and coal seam gas industries.
“It’s great to be in Narrabri today to mark the beginning of this important project for upgrades to Pilliga Road, which will provide a much safer journey for the entire community when complete,” said NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.
“This will further provide improved transport efficiency, support increased freight movement, and enhance integration with key freight networks.”
Funding has been provided by all three levels of government, including $4.98 million from the Australian Government, more than $2 million provided by the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and $800,000 contributed by the Narrabri Shire Council.
Construction is expected to be complete by October 2024, weather permitting.