Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey has hailed the construction of a new roundabout in Gunnedah as a major step forward in easing traffic congestion.
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The new roundabout, to be built at the Boundary Road and Oxley Highway intersection, was announced by Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson earlier this week with planning for the project already under way.
Cr Chaffey said the project would help ease congestion at peak times and help move traffic through the intersection more effectively.
“All kinds of vehicles are currently using these roads and this roundabout will not only ease congestion but improve safety as well,” he said.
“This new roundabout should make moving around the community safer and easier and I think the community deserves roads that are safe and easy to use.”
Cr Chaffey also said the new roundabout would play a positive role for livability for the community and cater to both residents and local industries.
“It is certainly a major plus for the livability of the community, as roads become safer and easier for everybody to get around,” he said.
In announcing the project, Mr Anderson said the intersection was in need of an upgrade and was a part of future planning for the community.
“This intersection has been identified as needing an upgrade to improve traffic flow and road safety for all users,” Mr Anderson said.
“This is about building a Gunnedah for the distant future, not just for five or ten years from now.”
Planning for the new roundabout is now under way with construction to begin before the end of the year.
He said that traffic would be disrupted, with road closures during the early stages of the project.
“Road closures will be required at times to ensure the work is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible and the community will be kept informed.”
Construction is expected to take six months to complete.
The roundabout is part of Oxley Highway corridor strategy, which also saw the construction of overtaking lanes between Gunnedah and Tamworth.