Construction is about to start on a $9.534 million roundabout at the intersection of the Oxley Highway and Country Road – a key infrastructure project which will unlock development of nearby industrial land.

The dual-lane, five-leg roundabout on the western fringe of Tamworth will be the biggest in the region with a diameter of more than 50 metres. It is expected to take 11 months to construct.  

It is funded with $4,532,000 from the Australian Government under its Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, $4,056,700 from the NSW Government under its Restart NSW Growing Local Economies Fund and $954,300 from Council.

Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the roundabout will deliver economic benefits through improved road freight access. 

“It will enable safe and efficient road access to planned industrial developments north and south of the intersection as well as to Tamworth Regional Airport,” he said. “The upgrade of this intersection is critical to ensure the productivity, efficiency and safety of freight and general vehicles on our road network into the future.”

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said the roundabout is a critical road link for the wider scope of work needed to activate the Tamworth Global Gateway Park and the Tamworth Intermodal Freight Rail Terminal.

“It will bring benefits to our community for decades to come, providing access to new industrial areas which will bring significant economic benefits – it’s a great example of what can be achieved when the three levels of government work together,” he said.

State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said the new roundabout is expected to trigger a boom in business. 

“It unlocks unlimited potential for Tamworth – the whole precinct has been earmarked for industrial growth and the roundabout will be the route to new investment, new business and new jobs.

“This roundabout will also markedly improve the efficiency of heavy vehicle movements through this intersection and increase safety at the roundabout.”

The roundabout is a critical road link needed as part of the wider scope of work to activate the Tamworth Global Gateway Park and the Tamworth Intermodal Transport Hub.

The roundabout is also the anchor point for the proposed future southern bypass road which will link the Oxley Highway with the New England Highway using Country Road and Burgmanns Lane.

(ENDS)