Leeton Shire Council is pleased to announce the completion of its significant road rehabilitation project on Canal Street, paving the way for a safer and smoother driving experience along the heavily trafficked heavy vehicle bypass route.
The project was initiated in April 2023 to upgrade the road infrastructure, which involved digging out and replacing the old road and substituting it with a new, high-quality surface. The works also included the construction of a right-turn bay for motorists travelling over the Gogeldrie Branch Canal into Wattle Hill/Amesbury. Together, these upgrades ensure a smoother, more comfortable and secure journey not just for the community but also heavy vehicles, such as road trains and trucks, that frequently use this road to bypass the town centre.
The final touches included streetlighting augmentation, additional asphalt widening and the plantation of 50 crepe myrtle trees. All works are now considered to be finished as per the approved scope.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the Canal Street road upgrade was another example of the state government and regional councils working together to deliver better infrastructure for country communities.
"The Minns Labor government is building better regional roads right across the state and it's great to see Leeton Shire Council roads benefiting from our investments," Minister Aitchison said.
"The work done at Canal Street builds on the $2.29 million, the government recently provided council as part of our new Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund and I commend council for its commitment to building better local roads."
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker said he is delighted to see another capital works project done and dusted.
"It's pleasing to report the project came in under budget and the roadworks were completed ahead of schedule.
"Our sincere appreciation goes out to the NSW Government which provided $1.74M through round three of the Fixing Local Roads program with Council contributing $308K.
"A massive thanks also to all the Council staff involved in this project, from our project coordinators and engineers through to theroads crews on the ground that turned the plans into action.
"Our community can now benefit from an improved driving experience along the upgraded road resulting in less road noise which will benefit road users and Canal Street residents alike and will ensure motorists and heavy vehicle users can enjoy a safer journey for years to come," he said.
Council is currently in the process of applying for additional grant funding under the Active Transport stream to fund the construction of a new footpath along the residential side of Canal Street.
