EXTENSIVE rain in May has pushed back the completion date of the north Orange bypass until the first week of August.
Council spokesman Nick Redmond said the road was 90 per cent finished but wet weather had forced the contractors to wait for road material to dry out before the road could be completed near the Mitchell Highway intersection.
“To do the pavement properly you need really dry material,” he said.
The road had previously been expected to be completed by the end of this month, with an official opening planned for early July.
Contractors will now work to complete the gravel pavement base, followed by a sealer and finally a hot mix asphalt road surface.
“The critical thing that lost us time was making sure the material near the highway was going to last well,” Mr Redmond said.
“When you’ve got heavy vehicles the road base needs to be very strong.
“As disappointing as it is the end game is getting a high-quality job.”
Mr Redmond said the delays were not due to problems with the road’s surface.
“We had a couple of spots where we we’re uncomfortable with the ride but it’s been rectified,” he said.
After the road surface is completed work will continue to install guard rails, signage, lights and finish line marking before the bypass is opened.
