A brief ceremony attended by politicians from all levels of government signalled the start of work.

The 2km-long project follows the same line as Dairy Creek Rd and Blowes Rd from Elsham Ave to the Mitchell Hwy.

It includes a new intersection where the new road meets the highway; kerb and guttering from Elsham Ave to Lone Pine Ave, and at the intersection of Calton Rd; new street lighting for the entire length of the road; and a new shared pedestrian/cycle path from Elsham Ave to Kurim Ave, connecting to the existing path, which crosses the railway line.

Funding for the project is shared by all three tiers of government.

"The southern feeder road will be one of the most important assets in the city's road network," mayor Reg Kidd said.

"Once the whole road is complete, it will provide a vital link between the major highways into Orange.

"This part of south Orange is a crucial infrastructure zone which includes hospitals, medical student training, the Leewood industrial estate and the new Shiralee housing area. This new road is about better, more efficient connections."

"The benefits of Stage 3 of the Southern Feeder Road Project will be far-reaching for the Orange region," said Calare MP Andrew Gee.

Orange council awarded the $6.7 million construction tender to Hamcon, the same company currently building the new bypass-Hill St roundabout.

The total project value is $7.5 million. Other work includes the relocation of telecoms and power.

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