Getting into alignment on the Kings Highway

Traffic on the Kings Highway will have a smoother ride this morning when it is diverted onto the new highway alignment just east of Nelligen for the first time.

The $5.3 million project has seen several curves straightened over a one kilometre stretch to improve road safety.

Work so far has involved the installation of 58 stormwater drainage pipes with an internal diameter of 2.5 metres, plus construction of a 70 metre long retaining wall.

Ecological impact in the area has been carefully considered, with nest boxes installed to offset fauna habitat loss and woodchips from the clearing area being reused on Council environmental restoration projects around the shire. Run-off from the work site has also been carefully managed, with the installation of five ponds to capture dirty water to be treated and filtered for re-use.

The work is funded by NSW Roads and Maritime Services and also included the construction of a police enforcement bay and installation of kerb and guttering and guardrails.

The project should be complete in the second half of the year.

Council asks that all drivers continue to take extra care going through the work site.