Stage Two of the Purlewaugh Road Upgrade

Works have now commenced on stage two of the Purlewaugh Road Upgrade project.

“This project consists of two stages. Stage one of the works, consisted of two curves that has already been completed by Council’s road crew. Stage two of the works consist of the straighter sections of the roadway that is now being constructed by the contractor,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council, Mayor Councillor Ambrose Doolan.  “Work will commence from West of the May McEvoy bridge and progress towards Purlewaugh.”

Traffic will be restricted to one lane during working hours and when full pavement width is not available. Traffic will be controlled by automated traffic lights to minimise disruption. 

“Purlewaugh Road was constructed and sealed over fifty years ago and while several sections of the road between Coonabarabran and the village of Purlewaugh have been upgraded since then, there are many sections of narrow width pavement,” said Cr Doolan. 

“The project will increase the width of road pavement by around 25% which will improve road safety for all users, increase reliability of the road and improve accessibility for trucks.”

This $3 million project is being funded by the Australian Government and Council through NSW Government programs. The Australian Government is contributing $2.4 million through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative and the NSW Government is contributing the remaining $600,000. The ROSI initiative is all about freight routes and ensuring they provide efficient connection to ports, airports and important transport hubs.

Purlewaugh Road is an important east-west freight route, connecting the Newell Highway to the Hunter Valley. The road is accessible by B Double Trucks, however higher-productivity vehicles such as Road Trains and AB Triples can only access the road under permit conditions.

“This funding that has become available from both the Australian and NSW Governments will allow this section of Purlewaugh Road to be widened to make it safer for all users,” Cr Doolan concluded. 

The contract works have started and are expected to be completed in August 2022.

Click here to download media release 

Purlewaugh road tender media release

Last Updated: 18 May 2022