Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has secured over $4.2 million to undertake extensive infrastructure works at Hovell Street in Cootamundra, thanks to two NSW Government regional road infrastructure programs.
The funding includes:
- $1,804,120 through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program to upgrade Hovell Street, including the pavement and design to enable greater resistance for heavy vehicle traffic, and
- $2,461,625 through round six of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program to construct a bridge structure above the current flood level.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said combined, this funding will ensure the Hovell Street thoroughfare will keep freight moving on our roads.
“These works are crucial to ensure Hovell Street can function as a reliable and safe local road, and to keep freight moving in times of adverse weather,” Ms Cooke said.
“The works to improve the Hovell Street causeway are particularly crucial – we saw only a few months ago the impact on transport when the road closes due to flooding of the Muttama Creek, not to mention the works will also substantially improve safety at this particular section of road.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said the funding is very welcome news for the safety and wellbeing of motorists.
“The causeway poses a safety risk to the community, by undertaking these upgrades it provides better connectivity both north and south of the creek,” Cr Sheahan said.
“In the event of a flood, it makes the town more accessible for emergency services and leaves a road link open for the Olympic Highway. This will be great for the community.”
The Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads are dedicated regional roads programs thanks to the NSW Nationals in Government.
More information on these programs is available at: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au
