It's full steam ahead for two roadwork projects to improve The Bucketts Way, as part of a major program to create a safer road network between the Gloucester region, the Northern Tablelands and the Pacific Highway, Newcastle.
Works to provide a northbound overtaking lane are in progress on The Bucketts Way about a kilometre south of Allworth Road.
The project will include road pavement construction, stormwater drainage upgrades and bitumen sealing.
Line-marking and guardrails will be installed, together with fencing and a culvert road crossing for the protection of koalas.
These works should finish mid-April, weather permitting. Road users may experience slight delays and night works are happening on 15 and 16 February.
Next up in works on The Bucketts Way are improvements near Stony Creek between Baldy Knob Road and Forest Glen Road.
The works will start with clearing of vegetation and stormwater drainage.
The road will be widened and bitumen sealed, with line-marking and guardrails installed to complete the job.
Work is expected to be complete in December, weather permitting.
There may be slight delays and occasional night works.
The Bucketts Way Route Access Strategy – Stage 1 is a joint project, funded by the Federal Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, the NSW Government's Restart NSW Fund and MidCoast Council's Regional Roads Rehabilitation Capital Works Program.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the Bucketts Way provided a vital connection for residents, motorists and freight.
"The Bucketts Way is the main road through the Gloucester region carrying a significant volume of traffic and is a key transport link between the Gloucester region, the Northern Tablelands, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley and the rest of NSW," Mr Layzell said.
"These improvements will mean safer and smoother journeys for all road users, while creating more opportunities for regional development by upgrading the region's road links."
Council's Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services Mr Rob Scott said the upgrades are in full swing.
"Giving road users a better and safer driving experience on The Bucketts Way is a priority for us," said Mr Scott.
"As always our contractors will work closely with all residents along the stretch to ensure driveways are accessible and there is as little impact to traffic flow as possible."
