Willow Tree Road On Track

ROADWORKS on Willow Tree Road are ahead of schedule, with eight kilometres of road sealed and only two more to go.

Major earthworks in the cutting over the Liverpool Range is now complete, including a change in elevation of200 metres, requiring more than 180,000m³ of rock, earth and some trees to be moved, along a 3km stretch of the road.

The $12 million upgrade will link the Golden Highway and New England Highway saving 44 kilometres and making the route safer for producers transporting stock and produce in the region.

Wayne Bedggood, Mayor of the Upper Hunter Shire Council, said the upgrade will make for a cheaper, faster and safer trip for not only industry operators and farmers but also for tourists, school buses, ambulances, families and individuals.

“This is about helping farmers, truck drivers, and small businesses getting goods to markets. It is about tourists exploring our region, locals accessing education and medical services, and doing so quickly and safely,” Mayor Wayne Bedggood said.

Nick Havyatt, director of infrastructure services for Council, said road crews were doing an outstanding job despite the extra challenge of drought conditions requiring water to be carted long distances daily to the roadworks.

Motorists are advised to avoid using the road during wet conditions, until the work is complete.