Minister for Roads Duncan Gay and Member for Goulburn Pru Goward today officially marked the completion of sealing works on the 37 kilometre road between Crookwell and Taralga, improving safety for motorists travelling in the area.

Mr Gay said the NSW Government provided more than $2.1 million to Upper Lachlan Shire Council in 2012 to reseal the final 5.7km of road with Council providing $1.1 million.

“The Crookwell and Taralga communities have been waiting decades for this work to happen, with motorists previously clenching the steering wheel as they travelled down this bumpy stretch of road,” Mr Gay said.

“Sections of this road were completely reconstructed – not only was it sealed, but it is now wider and new pipes and culverts have been installed to improve safety during wet weather.

“More than 200 vehicles use this road each day, which connects surrounding farms and residents to places such as Bathurst via State Road MR54, with upgrades providing safer and more reliable travel, particularly for freight carting livestock to saleyards in Carcoar.

“This work is complemented by sealing works currently underway on State Road 54 Crookwell to Bathurst Road, and recently completed sealing on regional road MR52 Gunning to Crookwell Road and MR 248 West and Boorowa to Crookwell Road.”

Ms Goward said these works have been welcomed by residents and are a great example of the NSW Government partnering with regional councils across NSW to improve roads.

“We listened to the locals and we saw the importance of ensuring that Crookwell had more than one sealed road to link it to nearby towns,” Ms Goward said.

“The local towns of Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga are now also experiencing increased tourist activity due to the upgrades, which is great for local business.

“From mums and dads driving their children to the bus stop, to farmers and freight operators transporting livestock and to local businesses relying on passing traffic – everyone is a winner.”