Newbridge Road upgrade completed, key section of link road now wider

A new-look Newbridge Road was unveiled on Monday, with a wider and smoother surface improving safety for residents and tourists between Blayney and Newbridge.

Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee joined Blayney Shire Mayor Scott Ferguson and General Manager Rebecca Ryan to officially open the upgraded road.

Mr Gee said the Newbridge Road is a major link between the two areas, and funding for the project was announced as part of the Australian Government's response to keeping the economy supported as a result of COVID-19.

"The feedback from residents around Newbridge has been extraordinarily positive," he added.

"They're loving it. I am proud the Australian Government has been able to fund the upgrade of this key piece of local infrastructure."

The $537,301 road upgrade was funded by the Australian Government's $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program (LRCI).

The funding was used to widen shoulders on an 850m stretch of the narrow Newbridge Road, pavement strengthening and the correction of the road surface shape, creating 15 jobs.

Mayor of Blayney Shire, Cr Scott Ferguson said the road upgrade is a big win for residents.

"We are very appreciative of the funding to improve the safety Newbridge Road, which is a vital piece of infrastructure proving a connection between Blayney and the village of Newbridge."

Through the 2020-21 Budget, the Australian Government announced a $1 billion extension of the LRCI Program, following strong community and local government support.

This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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