There are many trucks and road crews on the 353 road from Wellington to Dunedoo getting straight to work on two of the three unsealed sections of the major thoroughfare.
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Wellington Council will soon receive stage by stage funding in total $4.7 million to complete the road.
It follows years of lobbying from several councils, the money sealed in an agreement with the Cobbora Holdings company following federal government approval of the Cobbora mine.
While there are no expectations of the mine actually operating at this stage the cash means Wellington Council can get things happening and the mayor said it's money well spent.
"It's been a long hard-fought battle to get funding and to get the 353 sealed and it's wonderful to have it reach the point of closure. It's good news also for residents of the area, motorists who travel on the road and our local economy," Cr Buhr said.
The mayor is upbeat on the tourism and business opportunities for the town.
"There will potentially be an increased traffic flow that has the potential to create big business opportunities. If we can become an alternative stop over point in competition with Dubbo this could potentially drive new motels and of course boost current motel and hotel accommodation which also brings in more hospitality and also spins off for the local tourism," he said.
The mayor also believes it could help the retail sector driving much needed new shops including cafes and other hospitality shops.
"That's why the 353 together with the CBD beautification will make the town look clean, refreshed and modern with the retail strip a showpiece which is going to be the driver to get more businesses in the CBD," Cr Buhr said.
Technical Services Director Stan Robb speaking on the 353 road where council workers are working to seal the second 1.6km section said staff would work to meet a time line of the end of September.
All three unsealed sections will take almost two years to complete. Safety upgrades will take a lot longer but the road will be in good shape to meet increased traffic expected on the road he said.
"The project which we are working together with the NSW Roads and Maritime service is on track for the proposed completion date. But this of course depends on weather conditions but we're looking forward to finishing it quickly as possible," he said.
Work will begin on the first stage which begins near the Comobella Hall and bridge this is a stretch of 3.7km and is expected to be finished by sometime in 2015. "There is a need for some patience for motorists on the road because there is a lot of work being done and we want meet some of those expectations for the community," Mr Robb said.
There are workers on a site near the Saxa bridge which is the third stage and there is progress.
"The crew there is widening approaches to the bridge on both sides and improving the environmental scour for the draining into the creek," he said.
Cr Buhr and Mr Robb walked on sections of the road on Friday. The technical services director outlining what has to be done to complete the works.
It's expected Mr Robb will a more detailed outline of timelines at the next ordinary meeting of Wellington Council on Wednesday night.
