Work on Dunns Road upgrade project set to recommence

Events & Tourism

FRESH EARS: Get ready for an intergenerational music gig with one of Australia’s best indie-rock artists – Tim Rogers (You Am I).

Take a FRESH look at one of Wagga Wagga’s favourite cultural programs

Jumpstart your creativity this autumn with Wagga Wagga’s favourite curated program of inclusive and accessible events.

In April 2023, there will be even more ways to explore and experience this fun, diverse and engaging intergenerational program, presented by Wagga Wagga City Council.

MOVING FORWARD: Council’s Director Strategy & Projects Phil McMurray says the next phase of works on Dunns Road is expected to start by mid-April 2023.

Wagga Wagga City Council advises residents and motorists can expect to see plant and machinery in the Dunns Road area soon, with work set to resume on the upgrade project in April, weather permitting.

Funded by the Australian Government ($5.8 million) and Wagga Wagga City Council ($2.5 million), the project includes the upgrade of the Olympic Highway/Dunns Road intersection, Dunns Road pavement reconstruction, and the Holbrook Road/Dunns Road intersection upgrade works.

Director Strategy & Projects Phil McMurray said Council agreed at its meeting on 30 January to appoint a major contractor for the design and construction of Dunns Road, and the Olympic Highway and Holbrook Road intersections.

“They are an accredited contractor, which is required to do work on a state road, and they produce a high-quality product, which is what Council wants for Dunns Road,” Mr McMurray said.

“Currently, the contractor is working on the design and project documentation works of the project and is expecting to mobilize plant and resources by the end of March, depending on the weather.

“Initially, the contractor will be carrying out preliminary survey works and approved vegetation removal. The next phase of works is expected to start by mid-April 2023, with the timing dependent on receipt of a Works Access Deed from Transport for NSW.

“Additional work is also being done finalising the design of the road itself.”

A two-lane roundabout will be constructed at the Holbrook Road intersection, while the Olympic Highway intersection design will be a channelised right-hand intersection, similar in design to the intersection at Merino Drive and Olympic Highway, near Bomen.

Vehicles heading north on the Olympic Highway towards Wagga Wagga will have a designated right-hand turning lane into Dunns Road. There will also be a slip lane to the left for south-bound vehicles turning on to Dunns Road, and a slip road for motorists turning out of Dunns Road onto Olympic Highway.

The Dunns Road Upgrade project has suffered from delays since 2022, due to the protracted periods of wet weather over autumn, winter and spring.

“Council apologises for the inconvenience this pause in work has caused and appreciates the patience of property owners and road users,” Mr McMurray said.

“It is anticipated that the finished road works will be wider and have a better surface and drainage.

“It will also improve access from the Olympic Highway, and the intersection with Holbrook Road will be a lot safer for vehicles traveling the busy route.” Drivers are advised there will be speed limit restrictions on Olympic Highway along with lane closures while the intersection is being constructed. Dunns Road remains closed to through traffic between Kunzea Place and the Olympic Highway. Only residents who live on the closed section of Dunns Road are allowed access.

Completion of the project will depend on weather over autumn and winter.

For updates, visit the project page at wagga.nsw.gov.au/projects

Director Community Janice Summerhayes said Wagga Wagga is a diverse community and the concept behind FRESH is to bring people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures together.

“Whether you’re young or old(er), this year’s FRESH program has something for everyone – with a series of special events tailor-made for young people, families and older members of our community,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“The program is bursting with highlights, ranging from live music performances and talks, self-guided urban art trails, artist-led beginners’ creative arts workshops and more.

“The FRESH 2023 program is a mix of headline events, along with a variety of workshops, talks and more by local businesses, community groups and artists.”

The intergenerational program brings together Gen Alpha, Millennials, Gen Y, Gen X, Baby Boomers and Silent Generation audiences to exchange ideas, learn new skills, in order to gain new perspectives and insights into the way they see the world.

“FRESH is a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn something new or discover something out of the ordinary,” Ms Summerhayes said.

Pick up a hard copy of the FRESH program from the Visitor Information Centre, Wagga Wagga City Library, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Museum of the Riverina or Wagga Civic Theatre.

For the full program of events or booking and tickets, visit wagga.nsw. gov.au/ fresh

Community Works & Projects

Heavy rain impacts road works

Council has asked for the continued patience of Coolamon Road users, after this week's inclement weather delayed the start of heavy patching works.

Crews are patching 10 localised pavement failures, which resulted from the road being used as the detour for Sturt Highway traffic for eight to ten weeks prior to Christmas 2022.

Director Infrastructure Services Warren Faulkner said the works, originally scheduled to start last Monday (20 March), were impacted by the rain which passed through the region.

“While we understand everyone wants the patching completed as soon as possible, motorists need to be aware that carrying out these works is subject to good weather conditions and the road pavement being sufficiently dry,” Mr Faulkner said.

“The process involves exposing the underlying road base, which is then pulverised and strengthened before a new seal is placed on the road.

“Given the rain which has been falling since Tuesday, we didn’t open the road up to the elements to avoid the underlying pavement becoming wet, which would affect the integrity of a new seal. Too much moisture in the pavement can cause the sealing to fail.”

The timing of completion of the heavy patching project may be further affected by the rainfall predicted for the first part of next week.

Meantime, contractors are expected to start crack sealing works on roads and shared paths from Monday, again weather permitting. The suburbs include Boorooma, Bourkelands, Estella, Forest Hill, Glenfield, Gobbagombalin, Lakehaven, Lloyd, Tatton, Turvey Park and the City Centre.

Invitation to apply for funding from the ClubGRANTS

FUNDING GREAT IDEAS: Council’s Annual Grants Program is open now for applications. For more information, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/grants

Keep them coming: Annual Grants Program pplications

Applications are coming in for Council’s Annual Grants Program, which is offering $202,000 total funding for projects, events, or great ideas that benefit our community.

Applications for the 2023/24 program opened at the end of February, with funding available across 10 categories: Community Programs and Projects, Recreational and Community Facilities, Neighbourhood and Rural Villages, Rural Halls, Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, Local Heritage, Events, Environment, Youth Programs and Projects and Small Business.

Director Community Janice Summerhayes recommended potential applicants get in touch with grants officers before submitting their application.

“We have a specific grants officer for each category who will be able to have a chat and help you with any queries,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“It doesn’t matter what stage of the process you’re at, speaking to your relevant grants officer is the best way to ensure you submit a competitive grant submission.”