More than 30 years after it was first mooted and following three years of extensive planning, community consultations and preconstruction activities, construction of the new Bega Bypass is finally underway.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese today joined Eden-Monaro MP Mike Kelly onsite for the ground-breaking ceremony marking the start of work on the $60 million fully-Federally funded project.
“Today we honour the promise we made prior to the 2007 Election,” said Mr Albanese.
“After three decades of inaction this Federal Labor Government is delivering this long talked about piece of infrastructure and I am confident that what we’re now building will stand the test of time.
“When it comes to infrastructure, Federal Labor means and does what it says.”
Eden-Monaro MP Mike Kelly said today’s celebrations wouldn’t be occurring at all if it wasn’t for the persistence of all those in the local community who have championed this project over the years.
“The beginning of a new era for Bega is now closer than ever before,” said Dr Kelly.
“The Bypass is no longer just an aspiration or a line on the map. It will soon be a real road delivering real benefits including safer, quicker driving conditions and more than 500 fewer trucks a day rumbling through the town.”
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the project will involve building a new 3.5 kilometre two-lane road to the west of the existing Princes Highway between the existing Bega River Bridge and Finucane Lane.
“As well as new bridge crossings at High Street and Ravenswood Street, there will also be a new underpass at Applegum Close as well as two major access points linking the town, the bypass and the properties to the west,” said Mr Gay.
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Bega Bypass