Central Western Daily photographer Andrew Murray examined the 7.2-kilometre length of the roadworks zone south of Molong, revealing significant lengths of roadbase still to be laid and incomplete drainage, in addition to the clean-up still to be done.

The work on the acknowledged black spot suffered delays in September when NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) identified potential problems with the contractor’s quality testing procedures, which required further investigation to ensure the project will be delivered to the required standard.

However, the RMS  has assured motorists the work was on time and within the $40 million budget, having been ahead of schedule prior to the delays.

“Work started in July last year and to date 85 per cent of earthwork, 10 per cent of road surface and 50 per cent of drainage is now completed,” a spokesman said. 

“Activity on site was significantly reduced to allow further investigations to be carried out safely.

“These matters have now been resolved and work to place road sub-base recommenced in early December.”

The spokesman said work activity on site would ramp up in January next year as crews continued to complete earth and drainage work and lay road surface.

“Roads and Maritime requires established quality assurance practices to be followed for all road construction contracts,” he said.

“Continuous testing is carried out to ensure all material complies with all necessary standards to ensure a properly built road is delivered.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato welcomed news on the progress.

“Ultimately we want the best roads possible and if it’s going to be on time, it’s fantastic,” he said.

“I’ve had some people, mainly people who drive along that road while commuting to Orange, who have expressed frustration, especially when days on end, there was no action and heavy machinery doing nothing.

“A lot of people were asking questions, and rightly so.”

The upgrade will realign the highway near Molong to provide an additional overtaking lane to improve safety and travel times.

FK Gardner Pty Ltd is carrying out the work on behalf of the RMS.