Work will start later this month on $50 million worth of improvements to a 5.2 kilometre section of Appin Road.
As part of the work, travel lanes in both directions will be widened between Brian Road, Appin and the entry to new housing development known as Gilead.
The project will also:
· widen and seal shoulders;
· widen roadway for new northbound overtaking lane;
· curve realignment to comply with standards;
· median for separation on realigned curve with a safety barrier;
· rehabilitate existing pavement with road widening work and reinstate improved signs and line marking;
· clear trees close to road to provide clear zone and install road side safety barriers where needed;
· painted median at southbound overtaking lane with safety barriers, protected right turn bays and U-turn facilities as a strategy for safer access for properties;
· install fauna exclusion fencing on both sides of the road at identified movement and crossing locations.
The $50 million was promised by the Coalition during the last election, when the Labor opposition also pledged to do the work if elected.
In the wake of the economic devastation caused by Covid-19, the money has been brought forward as part of an infrastructure boost.
It will also provide close to 120 local jobs.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor, pictured above on Appin Road, says the works were vital to open the area to new homes.
“This will help address housing affordability and will assist more mums and dads to achieve the great Australian dream,” Mr Taylor said.
The Appin Road project is expected to be completed by mid-2022, weather permitting.
What about the wildlife homeless or sent out onto roads
How about we don’t concrete over all the fields or chop down all the trees. Build a bypass, make the trucks use the motorway and leave our wildlife alone. It isn’t just about the koalas. It’s also the large number of raptors in the area that need the fields to hunt in. The environmental vandalism has to stop.