Work is under way on the first stage of the project, an 850-metre section from the council boundary at Neals Lane to Witton Place.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the entrance to Orange from Cargo Road had been on the list for a major upgrade for some time.

“We have split the roadworks into two completely separate projects to fast track these much-needed works,” he said.

“The first stage is from the council boundary to Witton Place and the second and larger stage is from Witton Place to Ploughmans Lane.”

Drainage trenches are being dug near the water tank at the top of the hill to drain the groundwater away from the road in the cutting.

“The road construction crews will begin in early February on road stabilisation and resurfacing, at the section near Neals Lane,” Cr Kidd said. 

“There’ll be traffic control signs in place, but I’m asking drivers to simply slow down and take extra care to keep the road crews safe – there are lots of blind corners and crests in that part of town.”

Tenders for extensive drainage work between Witton Place and Ploughmans Lane closed this week.

Infrastructure committee chairman and councillor Sam Romano said it had been a concern for drivers for some time.

“The council has heard that concern loud and clear,” he said. 

The work, to start in March, will include adding kerb and guttering and installing about 1300 metres of underground storm water pipes up to 1.2 metres in diameter.

The road pavement will also be rebuilt and widened to 10 metres, with all work expected to be complete in a year’s time.