Temporary roundabout road to be reinforced

Some traffic delays can be expected at the new airport roundabout site next week, as urgent road strengthening works are carried out to prevent further damage to a temporary side track.

Work at the New England Highway site, to strengthen the side track with cement, was due to begin this week but has been rescheduled to start on Wednesday 1 August to fit in with associated work at the site and minimise the impact on traffic.

Heavy vehicles have been continuously breaking up the temporary bitumen surface, which was constructed in June to provide an alternative route while the roundabout site is prepared. 

“Council crews have been doing their best to repair the surface regularly and replace the centre line marking but the surface continues to break up,” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

“This side track will need to stay in place for another six weeks at least, before roundabout construction switches to the eastern side of the site.

“So with the advice and agreement of Roads & Maritime Services, we are preparing to rip the road pavement, chemically strengthen it with cement, then put down a new bitumen seal coat and fresh line markings.”

Updates and further details on the roundabout project are available on Council’s website, under Works & Projects, or by phoning Council on 1300 136833.

Published on 26 Jul 2018