The Minns Labor Government is building a better Sturt Highway in Wagga Wagga by starting work on a $13.9 million upgrade to the road east of the city.
Work is due to begin on Tuesday March 4 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 will provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes and provide a safer and more comfortable journey for all road users.
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 Tuesday 4 March 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.
This location is a high traffic area and Transport will plan to carry out work with as few impacts as possible. All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. 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.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic control and signage.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"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.
"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.
"The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be investing in building a better section of highway in Wagga Wagga and 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 said:
"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.
"I acknowledge Transport for NSW's efforts to liaise with businesses in the area and urge them to maintain that focus on reducing construction impacts, especially in Lawson Street during the closure period.
"The works will cause some disruption so I appreciate the patience of residents and motorists during a construction process that will cause inconvenience but will also deliver improvements that have been identified as important to the community.
"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."
