The new road, which is valued at $3 million, aims to divert trucks and other traffic away from residential streets.

Up to 70 truck movements a day will be diverted from Middleton and West streets.

The extension will replace a gravel track which currently runs off the end of South Street (appearing as ‘Faulkner Street’ in Google Maps).

The work is largely being funded by a $2.25 million grant from the NSW Government through the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program.

Additional funding will be provided by the Australian Government under the Roads to Recovery Programme as well as Kempsey Shire Council.

Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, said the NSW Government is committed to investing in better infrastructure for NSW.

“This project will allow a more efficient traffic and business link for this industrial area while increasing safety around residential and school zones.”

Council’s Manager of Engineering Works, Tony Green, said rehabilitation work in the industrial area of South Street is already underway to repair kerb and guttering, stabilisation and asphalting.

“By opening up South Street, we will reduce noise emissions for residents while improving safety and the amenity of these streets,” Mr Green said.

Council’s rehabilitation work of South Street is expected to take approximately ten weeks, weather permitting, while construction of the major extension of the road is expected to take approximately six months to complete.

Eire Constructions was awarded the tender to carry out the project.