The Tamworth region will soon gain a new key link road for B-doubles with the final stage of a $4.3 million upgrade of Appleby Lane about to get underway.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said improvements to the intersection of Appleby Lane and Manilla Road would complete a major project to better connect areas north of Tamworth to the Glen Artney industrial area.
“This project will benefit agricultural producers and freight operators by facilitating heavy vehicle access to Tamworth from the north, particularly for B-doubles,” Mr McCormack said.
Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the project was a prime example of how the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program benefitted regional businesses and communities.
“Appleby Lane is a key road for the future of the Tamworth Region and its upgrade to a fully sealed roadway linking Manilla Road to the Oxley Highway will deliver better road safety and faster freight,” Mr Joyce said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads Maritime and Transport and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the improved freight transport link was a win for local industries and businesses.
“It will mean a reduction in transport costs, resulting in cheaper products at market, and I’m proud the three levels of government are working together to deliver vital upgrades,” Mr Anderson said.
Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Col Murray said the Appleby Lane upgrade was a significant improvement to the local road network.
“It is an important project for our region into the future as efficient transport links are essential to keep the local economy thriving,” Cr Murray said.
A six-kilometre section of Appleby Lane from the Oxley Highway was widened and sealed last year in the first stage of the upgrade.
Work on its intersection with Manilla Road – starting from Monday 5 March – will include the addition of a dedicated right-turn lane into Appleby Lane for traffic travelling from Manilla, a left-turn slip lane for traffic travelling from Tamworth to turn into the lane and associated stormwater drainage work. It will take about eight weeks to complete.
Funding for the project includes $1.566 million from the Australian Government under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, $1.566 million from the New South Wales Government through Restart NSW and $1.193 million from Tamworth Regional Council.
(ENDS)