Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) is continuing its delivery of important regional road upgrades, with construction work set to start on the $10 million Stage 1 Lorne Road project before the end of July.
PMHC has engaged Eire Constructions to progress sealing of Lorne Road Stage 1, which will see 2kms of road upgraded from the westernmost extent of bitumen to Upsalls Creek Crossing.
The project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government and PMHC.
PMHC Group Manager Project Delivery, Chris Favaloro, said construction and sealing of Stage 1 will commence at the end of the month, providing smoother and safer transport conditions for motorists.
"We are pleased to be moving forward with Stage 1 of the Lorne Road upgrade, in collaboration with the Australian Government and our contracted partners, Eire Construction," Mr Favaloro said.
"We expect that the program will be complete in the first half of 2025, paving the way for future works under Stage 2 - designs for which are now complete. Subject to available funding, Stage 2 will see a further 1.85km of bitumen sealing from Upsalls Creek Crossing to Koppin Yarratt Road.
"Contra flow traffic will be in place during the Stage 1 works, however we do expect there may be some minor traffic delays during the program. We would encourage larger or heavier vehicles to consider taking an alternative route, such as Comboyne Road, during the construction program.
"I'd like to thank the Australian Government for its commitment to supporting this phase of works, and we will continue to seek funding opportunities to support the full construction of Stage 2."
Mr Favaloro confirmed that work will not continue on Stage 3 planning due to escalating costs and low traffic volume.
"As previously advised in May, we will not continue further planning and investigations for Stage 3 at this time due to the estimated construction cost of this section being more than $50 million and the low traffic volume on this section.
