The closure of the Newell Highway south of Forbes has raised the issue of what upgrades are needed for the major thoroughfare.
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Forbes Councillor Phyllis Mill said the closure of the highway was more than an inconvenience and was impacting businesses in town.
Two “low spots” just south of Forbes continue to be affected by flood waters, closing the highway in both directions.
The NSW government committed $500 million to an upgrade of the Newell Highway last year, but no plans were included for a small elevation along the two consistently impacted stretches of road.
The government has said the Newell Highway would be closed for three weeks, although Minister for Roads Duncan Gay said it could be shut for longer.
“One of the downfalls of disaster funding is it can not be used for betterment,” Cr Miller said.
“The funding will be used to repair the existing road after the flood waters recede. But, the next time the water rises these two spots on the highway will be affected again.”
