ON TRACK FOR AUGUST: Work to join the north Orange bypass with the Mitchell Highway will be the last thing completed before the road is opened to traffic in mid-August. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0719bypass2
The north Orange bypass is on track to open in the first weeks of August, with work continuing to connect the new road with the Mitchell Highway.
Line marking on the road is 80 per cent complete, the median strip has been laid, and the guard rail is almost finished, but there is still more signage to be installed, council spokesman Nick Redmond said.
“We’re tying up the lose ends,” he said.
“Once you start joining up the roads there’s a bit of work to do.”
Work on a flashing orange light fog warning system at the Icely Road intersection is also progressing, as is work to surface the highway intersection with hot mix bitumen.
Lights have been installed at Astill Drive and Icely Road.
Work to join the bypass with the Mitchell Highway will be the last thing completed and Mr Redmond said drivers can expect some delays with traffic control in place.
He also confirmed that the Mitchell Highway will not be resurfaced as part of the bypass project as it is the responsibility of Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).
Extensive rain in May pushed back the completion date of the bypass when the contractors were forced to wait for road material to dry out before the road could be completed.
The bypass was previously earmarked for completion by the end of June, with an official opening planned for early July.
clare.colley@ruralpress.com
