East Nelligen loses its curves

Council has started work realigning several curves on the Kings Highway, just east of Nelligen.

The one kilometre stretch of road will be straightened out to improve road safety. The works will include construction of a police enforcement bay and installation of kerb and guttering and guardrails.

Costing $5.3 million and funded by NSW Roads and Maritime Services, the major project requires construction of a 70 metre long retaining wall, five-metre high embankments, and installation of 2.4 metre diameter pipe culverts.

Council's Director of Infrastructure Warren Sharpe said preliminary works have already commenced, including the removal of trees and shrubs and the installation of erosion and sedimentation controls.

'Nestboxes have been installed to offset the fauna habitat loss and woodchips from the clearing are being reused on Council's environmental restoration projects around the shire,' he said.

Mr Sharpe said the project represents a major investment by the NSW Government.

'We've fought hard for our community to see this project funded as part of a package of works to make the Kings Highway safer, particularly for the residents and school children of Nelligen who use this section of the highway daily,' Mr Sharpe said.

'We're grateful for the strong partnership we've formed with our local member Andrew Constance and the RMS to see these works done.

'We recognise the key role the Kings Highway plays in bringing economic activity and employment to our region and we will continue to fight for progressive improvements to the highway on behalf of our community.'

During construction, sections of the highway will be periodically reduced to one lane of traffic and there will be occasional lengthy delays. The realignment should be complete during the second half of next year.