Council pushes ahead with crucial road projects
Published: 31 Jul 2024 12:17pm
Wagga Wagga City Council has embarked on an ambitious construction project to repair flood damage across 123 different unsealed and sealed road sections in the local government area.
The project will encompass sealed road rehabilitation at 26 locations, which were impacted by the multiple flooding events along the Murrumbidgee River in 2022.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services Henry Pavitt says due to an increase in construction costs since the flood event, Council had to seek additional funds from the State Government under the Natural Disaster Fund to avoid any risk of incomplete projects and shortfalls due to inflationary pressures.
“Thankfully, the NSW Government swiftly approved the variation of more than $2 million, ensuring that the original scope of works will not face a shortfall and burden ratepayer funds,” Mr Pavitt said.
“This much-needed injection of funds and the commitment of Council to address community feedback bode well for the region's infrastructure and safety.
“We understand the significance of these works and appreciate the community's patience and support.”
In addition to this crucial work, Council will be spending more than $8.4 million in an unsealed road maintenance program.
“The unsealed road undertaking presents a logistical challenge, as it involves coordinating gravel sources from nine different quarry operations” Mr Pavitt said.
“The work will involve placing a staggering 68,000 tonnes of gravel, resulting in around 2060 truck and trailer movements across the local road network, and will take around 404 working days to complete.”
With project costs varying from $1500 to $425,000 per road, three dedicated Council construction crews will be working tirelessly over the next six months to ensure the completion of the projects.
As Council pushes ahead with these vital projects, it hopes to execute approximately 450 kilometres of road grading, and re-sheet around 70 to 80 kilometres of our unsealed road network.
Council will keep the community updated on details about when and where these works will be carried out, as they are finalised.