The project to seal 6.2km of Point Plomer Road at Crescent Head has reached an important new phase with work set to commence this week.
Kempsey Shire Council has engaged Mid North Coast Contractors Pty Ltd to undertake the construction and sealing work with preparations of the site to be undertaken this week.
Construction work will begin from Monday February 8 2021. A start date after the Christmas School holidays was chosen to minimise the effect on traffic.
The work to seal the road is expected to be completed mid-year, weather permitting.
During the work, vehicles traveling in both directions will be subject to traffic control and a temporary speed limit will be enforced. Motorists are asked to observe traffic controls in place for the safety of construction workers on site.
Council's Director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said it was an important milestone for the project with the sealing of Point Plomer Road being considered and debated at council since 1997.
"The key reasons for sealing the road is to improve safety, encourage active transport uses such as walking and riding, eliminate dust pollution and gravel being deposited in the surrounding environment and reduce the annual maintenance costs," Mr Fish said.
"High volumes of traffic use Point Plomer Road and council cannot always maintain the road in a safe condition presenting a risk to users' safety and the potential for vehicle damage.
"The condition of the road often deteriorates rapidly when adverse weather conditions overlap with increased traffic volumes. The recent continual heavy rain through the December and January holiday period was a good demonstration of this."
The work will seal the northern section of Point Plomer Road from the end of the existing bitumen to Racecourse, and the southern section of the road to Big Hill.
The $3.6 million project has been jointly funded by council and a $2.88 million grant from the NSW Government under the Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund.
No Tar for Plomer Road Rally
The community group No Tar for Plomer Road will be holding a rally on Sunday February 7 at the Crescent Head Hall from 10am.
There will be local speakers, a barbeque and a walk along Point Plomer Road.
COVID-safe regulations will be in place.
