The first stage of a $13.9 million upgrade to the Sturt Highway at Wagga Wagga is set to begin next week.
Works will soon begin to upgrade a 1.8 kilometre section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD.
Work will include completely reconstructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes.
The changes aim to provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes.
Shoulders will be provided for cyclists on the northern and southern sides of the highway.
The first stage of this project – between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road – will start on Tuesday March 4 and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete.
The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road – will be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year.
All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place.
“The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia,” said Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.
“It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route, especially Wagga Wagga, to enable customers to access goods, services and employment.
“We want to thank the community in advance for its patience and understanding while this work is carried out for the long-term benefit of all who live, work and visit the area.”
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr added: “These works, coupled with the work now underway to redevelop the Marshalls Creek Bridge, are welcome improvements that will deliver a safer, smoother Sturt Highway for thousands of users every day.
“A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future.”
Detours around the work area will be in place at various stages of the project. Most of the work will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work also planned.