Two Wagga roads notorious for rough surfaces and potholes will receive a $4.2 million "rehabilitation" upgrade via a joint NSW and federal government program.
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Riverina MP and federal Transport Minister Michael McCormack yesterday announced the funding for Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street.
"For the tradies and truckies, for all of the people who use that west Wagga industrial area, that is going to be such good news, because we know that the road is rough, we know that it needs fixing and we're getting on and we're doing it," Mr McCormack said.
Dobney Avenue and Pearson Street carry large volumes of traffic between the Sturt and Olympic Highways and vehicle and machinery dealerships, mechanics and hardware stores, as well as residential areas.
Wagga City Council last year nominated the two roads as a priority for seeking grants and the new funding will come from the NSW Fixing Local Roads program.
Wagga-based MLC Wes Fang said the road upgrades would benefit thousands of residents.
"This is funding for smaller projects that will make a big difference in people's lives as they travel to and from work, school or the shops," Mr Fang said.
"Not only will this get people where they need to go sooner and safer, it will also create much needed jobs in our community."
Lockhart Shire Council also received $103,275 to seal Prichard Place as part of 16 roads projects across the Riverina and Central West that shared in more than $20 million from the latest funding round.
Junee Shire Council will receive $417,031 for rehabilitation works on Pattersons Road and Temora Shire Council will receive $849,342 for seal widening on Old Cootamundra Road.
Coolamon Shire Council will receive $71,376 for rehabilitation on Methul Road, $278,115 for an upgrade to Warners Lane and Gradys Lane and $118,680 for an upgrade to Berry Jerry Lane, Lesterfield Lane, Menzies Lane and East West Road.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will receive $187,500 for reconstruction and sealing on Warralong Road, $157,500 for reconstruction and sealing on Brawlin Road and $187,500 for rehabilitation on French Street.
Mr McCormack said he had received a lot of feedback on Dobney Avenue and he drove on that road himself quite often on the way to Bunnings. "Small businesses take the risks and employ people and we want them to be their best selves, so when their road is a bit shoddy, when their road is uneven, when their road has potholes, it needs to be fixed," he said. "We want the money to roll out, not just in the months ahead but in the weeks and days ahead, because when you see workers out there in high vis, with shovels in hand and on grader seats, that's delivery in action and that's getting people into jobs," he said.
NSW Roads Minister Paul Toole said the $191 million Australian government funding commitment in June last year was on top of the $500 million from the NSW government.