Dunns Road was reopened to motorists recently following the $8.3 million upgrade. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
Heralding a new chapter in Wagga Wagga’s infrastructure, the Dunns Road upgrade completion was recently celebrated after the road was officially reopened in full to motorists in late March.
The $8.3 million upgrade was jointly funded by the Federal Government ($5.8 million) and Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) ($2.5 million), including $400,000 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The upgrade celebration was held on Friday, 26 April, and was attended by the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Senator Deborah O’Neill, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout, councillors, council staff and stakeholders.
WWCC said Mr McCormack played a crucial role in securing funding for the upgrade in 2019, aiming to tackle the increased traffic demands and safety issues stemming from Dunns Road becoming a popular short cut over time for travellers heading into the city from the south.
Cr Tout highlighted the importance of the upgrade completion.
“The delivery of this final project milestone means residents and travellers in the Wagga Wagga area will now enjoy a significant improvement in their driving experience in terms of safety, accessibility and efficiency,” he said.
“Increasing the safety and efficiency of traffic along Dunns Road has been a project of paramount importance for Wagga Wagga City Council.”
Senator O’Neill said the upgrade was a significant outcome the government was proud to support.
“Wagga Wagga is a key hub for national agriculture, trade, military, sport, tourism and culture,” she said. “It is important the Australian Government continues to support the development of its [region’s] infrastructure.
“This upgrade is vital for all who live in and drive through the region in terms of safety and employment.
“It has also directly boosted the local economy with an estimated 60 jobs created during the project.”
The upgrade also improved the use of the road as a direct route from the Olympic Highway to the southern suburbs of Wagga Wagga, the airport, and major sporting and recreational facilities.
The project’s key components included sealing a 3.3 km section of the road, upgrading the Olympic Highway and Dunns Road intersection, and constructing a roundabout at the Holbrook and Dunns Road intersection.
Loading ...
