Congarinni Road South, just west of Macksville, was the first dirt road in the Nambucca Shire to trial the Otta-Seal surface treatment early last week, and now after a few days, local Owen Rushton spoke to the Guardian about his experiences with the newly tarred section.
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"It's fantastic, I've lived in the area just short of 30 years, and it's been dirt since the family has been here, Council tarred a section a few years ago, and that was great, couldn't be happier that they've tarred the rest," he said.
Otta-Seal has seen widespread use overseas and has already been trialled in several regions around Australia, including Bellingen. It's still relatively new compared to older methods; however, Owen insists he can't see a difference between the old and the new.
"Personally, I can't tell the difference; it looks like tar and smells like tar. The only problem I will have is remembering to take it easy on the road for the next few weeks while it sets," Owen said.
"It was a fast process too, I went out one day, and there were all the flashing lights for the roadworks, by the time I came home that night, the road was tarred."
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While this is only a trial, Owen is grateful that the Council has seen fit to upgrade the old dirt road.
"Nobody expected it, everyone I've talked to is thrilled with it, most people living out here never thought they'd see tar roads out here," he said.
Nambucca Shire Council is trialling the new gravel road sealing product in the hopes of reducing road maintenance costs and helping the environment.
Congarinni Road South now has a 40 kilometre per hour speed limit in effect for the next six to eight weeks while the surface strengthens. Residents are asked to adhere to the road signage and take care when travelling as there will be loose aggregate.