RRTRP Betterment of Darkwood Road Commences.

Published on 25 February 2025

Bellingen Shire Council is proud to announce the commencement of the much-anticipated Betterment of Darkwood Road, which along with the Betterment of Kalang Road, is being funded under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP).

This initiative is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, designed to improve the roads’ resilience and reduce future costs following disasters in the local area.

Bellingen Shire was awarded two RRTRP packages including $9.8 million for the Betterment of Darkwood, Timboon, Valery and Martells roads and $1.19 million for an upgrade to a section of Kalang Road.

Mayor Cr. Steve Allan said the rehabilitation of Darkwood Road marks a significant milestone in enhancing road infrastructure across the Shire.

“The impact of recent disasters has made it clear how critical our road network is for the community. With this funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, we are addressing key priorities to ensure our roads are safer, more reliable, and resilient,” Mayor Allan said.

The Darkwood Road rehabilitation project includes:

• Replacement of stormwater culverts to improve drainage.
• Rehabilitation and betterment of bitumen-sealed pavements.
• Installation of concrete kerbs and channels to enhance drainage.
• Realignment of priority sections of the road.
• Sealing of priority unsealed sections of the pavement.

Specific upgrade locations include:

• Alignment and drainage improvements upstream of Richardsons Bridge (1.25 km).
• Thora Intersection to Thora Sawmill (1 km).
• Past Leans Creek Bridge (0.3 km).
• Past Mickeys Creek Bridge (0.2 km).
• Orama Public School (0.1 km).

Works are scheduled to commence in February 2025 and are expected to take approximately four months to complete.

Mayor Cr. Allan highlighted the broader benefits of the project for the Shire’s residents and businesses. “These works will benefit not just local residents, but also our producers, schools, emergency services, and bus operators by providing a safer and more reliable road network. The improved drainage, alignment, and safety barriers will make a tangible difference during future adverse weather events,” he said.

While construction is taking place, Council will ensure measures in place to minimise community disruption on the road. Traffic management systems will be in place to handle delays, with special consideration given to peak traffic flows and school bus movements.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project. Updates will be shared via letterbox drops to affected residents, at the Thora General Store, through roadside digital signage, on Council’s website project page and social media accounts.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to deliver these critical upgrades to deliver a more resilient and connected Bellingen Shire,” Mayor Cr. Allan concluded.

You can read more about the project announcement here.