Funding to improve road freight network

Two roads in the Tamworth Region will be upgraded to improve the road freight network through more than $4.3 million un funding under the State Government's Fixing Country Roads program from the Restart NSW Fund.

Bowlers Lane at Wallamore and Garoo Road at Garoo widened and upgraded to improve freight transport efficiencies by making them able to be used by B-Doubles.

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said the funding - announced by State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson - will allow important gains in travel efficiency for freight traffic.

"The widening and upgrade of Garoo Road to allow it to be suitable for use by B-Doubles and will reduce the travel distance to less than half of the current route, reducing travel time by about 20 minutes," he said.

"Similarly the upgrading and sealing of Bowlers Lane will reduce the travel time and distance freight vehicles must currently use."

The work on Garoo Road will be along its 12.66km length between the New England Highway and Lindsays' Gap Road. The work on Bowlers Lane will involve a 2.39km stretch between the Oxley Highway and Wallamore Road. 

"This Fixing Country Roads funding allows Council to take another step forward in our efforts to provide a safe and efficient transport network for our community."

Council will contribute 10% towards the cost of both projects using its Pavement Renewal budget.

Design plans for Bowlers Lane is expected to be completed this financial year while the Garoo Road design is expected to the completed early in the new financial year. Construction of both road upgrades will be scheduled to be completed before the end of next financial year.