$10-MILLION LORNE ROAD UPGRADE IN FULL SWING
Some of the worst and winding sections of Lorne Road between Kendall and Comboyne will be eliminated as part of a major upgrade currently underway.
Local contractor Eire Constructions is undertaking the project on behalf of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
In 2019, Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie secured a commitment from the former Federal Coalition Government of $5-million towards the upgrade for planning and construction works and following the completion of planning by Council, Councillor Adam Roberts moved a motion that Council allocate a further $5-million from it’s budget to the project.
“The state of this road was one of the biggest issues that locals gave strong feedback on in my Vision 2030 Plan survey. An upgrade of this road is well and truly overdue, particularly given the regional economic benefits it will bring,” Dr Gillespie said.
“There is still 13-kilometres of road that needs to be upgraded and sealed. Along the road corridor extending from the Comboyne Plateau to the Lorne Valley, there are nearly 60 businesses with 40% in agriculture alone.”
“Some of the freight traffic includes dairy, beef cattle, timber, horticulture, local supplies and fuel, as well as the school bus route and some level of tourist traffic, however some of this is limited because of the current unsealed and dangerous winding sections which has left some transport operators needing to travel via Wauchope to access the Pacific Highway.”
Stage one of the project involves major realignments significantly improving safety for motorists as well as sealing a further two kilometres of road commencing from the Western extent of seal (South of Comboyne Road).
During the construction period contraflow traffic will be in place, along with the required traffic management, to guarantee the safety of both workers and road users with minor delays expected during this time.
The works site is expected to be active between the hours of 7am and 6pm Monday-Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday.
Dr Gillespie said design and planning approvals had been completed for stage two of the project taking in further improvements and sealing of Lorne Road through to the Koppin Yarratt Road intersection, however, Council was still waiting for further funding.
“In the lead up to the last Federal election, I was able to secure a further $15-million up the Lorne upgrade which was allocated in the Coalition’s last budget in April 2022, however, these funds were pulled by the Albanese Government when they reshaped the budget in September that year,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Given the road has been classified by the NSW Government as a regional road given its importance to the road network, I believe the State should now be making a significant contribution towards the Lorne Road project,” he added.
Work is expected to be completed on Stage one of the Lorne Road upgrade early next year.