STANDING TALL: Despite what he calls teething issues, Orange City Councillor Glenn Taylor is extremely proud of the new Orange bypass. Photos LUKE SCHUYLER 0831lsroads07
ORANGE councillor Glenn Taylor has hit back at suggestions from member for Orange Andrew Gee that the new bypass “has the durability of a violet crumble”.
Mr Taylor has also strongly denied suggestions that council wants to offload the road to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).
Instead, he’s told the Central Western Daily that while they were experiencing some teething problems, they were extremely proud of the new bypass.
“We have never formally approached or discussed or had meetings with the RTA to take over this road,” he said.
“The entirety of the northern distributor is a magnificent piece of infrastructure that Orange City Council have both funded, joint funded and built effectively.
“For comments to be made that it’s a sub-standard job are a bit rich.
“I would imagine that every type of road ever built by the RMS would have the same issues we’re having here.”
Mr Taylor said he had no interest in arguing with Mr Gee. Instead, he urged the member for Orange to offer more support.
“I’ll admit Andrew’s comments were very disappointing, but I would ask him to work with us for a better outcome,” he said.
“This is not political Labor versus Liberal. We want to continue to work with Andrew to get more major infrastructure for Orange.
“We would just like Andrew to acknowledge this is a major win for Orange, the largest piece of infrastructure the council has ever undertaken.”
Mr Taylor admitted there had been several problem spots identified on the bypass. He also strongly believes that was to be expected.
“The only way with a major road project like this to find where the weak spots are is to actually put traffic on there,” he said.
“So of course there are spots identified that maybe need to go back to and repair, and no-one’s denying that but they are all under warranty from the contractor.
“There are some spots here, but in the scheme of things they are only very minor.
“All the problem spots will be repaired under the warranty.”
Another criticism of the new bypass was the lack of lights on the Bathurst Road entrance.
But in good news, Mr Taylor has confirmed they’ll be installed shortly.
“I’m not saying the road is perfect and there is work to be done, but the simple fact is it’s cleared congestion in the city and it’s something we should all be proud of.”