What started as $16 million project in 2012 had spiralled into multimillion-dollar undertaking. Worse still, there was no timeline when major construction work would start.

News of the cost extension was raised during Gunnedah council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor and former mayor Owen Hasler moved that council seek a meeting with NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay to clarify a firm timeline for overpass construction.

He said the community was fed up and disillusioned by the State Government commitment which forecast the overpass would open to traffic in 2015.

“This has been going on for four years and all we’ve got is a $2 million-dollar roundabout,” Cr Hasler said, referring to the new Conadilly Street-Warrabungle Street roundabout completed as part of the overpass project.

“It’s about time we got an answer from the minister which is believable and achievable.

“A lot of people are becoming cynical and I don’t blame them. This was a State Government priority.

“I understand there has been problems but a promise is a promise.”

From government's first funding announcement in 2014, the overpass budget increased to $20 million in 2014, then $32 million in 2015 before reports of $40 million earlier this year. 

A NSW Roads and Maritime spokesman told the NVI in August that detailed designs for the overpass were continuing and an updated cost was still being developed. 

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is due to meet with Mr Gay on Monday to discuss the latest project costings and construction details.

Earlier this month he highlighted record funding for the region’s roads including a 129 per cent funding increase for the New England Highway.

“Our region is growing, there is no doubt about that, which is why we need to continue to invest in our roads and support infrastructure,” Mr Anderson said.