The New South Wales Government has awarded a contract to deliver the first stage of the $128 million Port to REZ Program.
Road upgrades which pave the way for the state’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) will now start within weeks.
The program will upgrade key roads and intersections to make it possible to transport the oversized equipment needed to build renewable energy projects in regional NSW, while improving roads for the entire community.
Construction will be delivered by BMD Constructions.
The NSW Government is investing $110.5 million into the project while the Australian Government is contributing $18 million.
The first stage of works will include upgrades across 19 locations from Port of Newcastle to Elong Elong near Dubbo, unlocking access to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
These upgrades will include pavement widening, drainage adjustments, new tuning lanes and relocation or adjustment of utilities, depending on the location.
Construction will commence at several locations including Selwyn Street in Mayfield North, Lonsdale Street in Jerrys Plains, Vinegaroy Road in Cassilis and Barneys Reef Road in Dunedoo.
Once delivered, the upgrades are expected to reduce delay times, easing travel through intersections and improving road safety.
NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said the beneficiaries will be all motorists – not just those driving the oversized loads.
“The appointment of a contractor to lead the work to enable the safe movement of wind and solar farm components on the road network is great news,” she said.
“These 19 road upgrades will result in greater capacity and a safer road environment from the Port of Newcastle, through the Hunter and then into the Central West where these farms will be located.”
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said this project will help ensure the region continues to be an ‘energy powerhouse’ for further decades to come.
“The Port to REZ program is an important investment in our region’s future – we are building better roads that will not only benefit the community but help deliver critical infrastructure and create local jobs,” she said.
In other news, transport and logistics company, Muve Logistics, has appointed Dean Amos as its new National Transport Manager.
