One of the region’s notoriously bad but critically important roads, Thunderbolts Way, will soon get an upgrade in one of the largest projects in recent history.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Deputy Premier Paul Toole yesterday announced a $4 million roads grant for Uralla Shire Council to undertake the significant work to the main connecting road between Uralla and Bundarra. The pair made the announcement while inspecting the recently completed Tolleys Bridge and newly-aligned Thunderbolts Way road approaches, funded with a previous $1 million State Government grant, with Mayor Robert Bell and other Councillors.
Uralla Shire Mayor Robert Bell welcomed the funding injection and said it would support council’s efforts to improve the safety of Thunderbolts Way.
“Thunderbolts Way is one of the most important roads in our region, linking Inverell all the way through to Gloucester and now carrying more heavy vehicles than ever before,” Cr Bell said.
“This is a huge amount of funding and we will use it wisely to get as much of the trouble spots along the route rehabilitated and widened, which will dramatically improve safety.
“Council is very grateful for the funding.”
Mr Marshall said today’s NSW Fixing Country Roads grant would see the three worst sections of Thunderbolts Way between Uralla and Bundarra – a total of almost 9 kilometres – completely rebuilt by Uralla Shire Council with a stronger and wider road pavement.
“This is one of the largest upgrades to our region’s ‘corridor of commerce’ we have seen in recent memory,” Mr Marshall said.
“Council has been playing repair catch up on this stretch of busy road, but today’s funding boost will mean council can finally undertake some major work to rebuild the road and improve its strength, rather than just continually patching holes.”
“I congratulate council for being on the front foot, wanting to improve Thunderbolts Way and being ready to spend the cash quickly for the benefit of motorists across the region.”
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