SMOOTHER, SAFER HIGHWAY TRAVEL ON THE WAY

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has welcomed an announcement of a $13.9 million upgrade to Hammond Avenue. 

Work is due to begin on Tuesday March 4 to upgrade a 1.8 kilometre section of the Sturt Highway to include constructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes. 

Dr McGirr said the works would address multiple complaints about the condition of the road and deliver a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage. 

However, he stressed that every effort must be made to minimise the impact on businesses during the construction phase. 

“I acknowledge Transport for NSW’s efforts to liaise with businesses in the area and urge them to maintain that focus on reducing construction impacts, especially in Lawson Street during the closure period,” he said. 

“The works will cause some disruption so I appreciate the patience of residents and motorists during a construction process that will cause inconvenience but will also deliver improvements that have been identified as important to the community.” 

As part of the project, shoulders will be provided for cyclists on the northern and southern sides of the highway. 

The first stage – between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road – will start Tuesday 4 March and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete. The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road – will be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year. 

All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. Detours around the work area will be in place at various stages of the project. 

Most of the work will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work also planned.  

Dr McGirr said the works would complement the redevelopment of the Marshalls Creek Bridge, to deliver a better highway journey through the city, while advocacy for other major infrastructure developments would continue. 

“A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future,” he said.