Work on the $10.54 million upgrade to the Southern Cadia Access Route between Orange and Carcoar has been completed.
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Blayney Shire Council managed the project, which was funded to the tune of $5.17 million by the Restart NSW Resources for Regions state government program, with the road also receiving financial backing from council and industry.
The project included upgrades to four local roads as well as the construction of a new bridge.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole was on hand to announce the road's completion.
Local residents ... will also have a more direct sealed route to regional services in Orange.
- Blayney mayor Scott Ferguson
"This is a great result for the local mining industry, providing distance savings of more than 40km for vehicles accessing the Cadia Valley mine," Mr Toole said.
"The creation of this roadway will reduce truck movements on other local roads, improving safety, as well as providing an alternative transport route for the local community.
Mr Toole said the Resources for Regions program was part of the NSW Government's commitment to improving economic growth and productivity in mining-related communities.
"Mining has helped our regional communities grow, creating enormous business and employment opportunities, but it can also put pressure on local infrastructure," Mr Toole said.
"That's exactly why the Resources for Regions program was established - to address infrastructure constraints and facilitate sustainable growth in these communities which contribute so much to NSW through mining."
Southern Cadia Access Route works included the replacement of Dirt Hole Creek bridge, new road alignments to improve safety, the widening and sealing of 5km of Errowanbang Road and the sealing of 7.6 kilometres of Cadia Road, and the reconstruction of 3.4 kilometres of Errowanbang and Panuara roads.
Blayney Shire Mayor Scott Ferguson said said the 26 kilometre road was "significantly shorter" than the 70 kilometre route via state road networks and would help local residents access Orange.
"That's going to cut travel times by approximately 45 minutes, creating a major efficiency boost for local industry and for residents who reside on the route," Cr Ferguson said.
