Works have commenced to to reconstruct the pavement through O'Connell from Beaconsfield Road for one kilometre towards the bridge over Eight Mile Swamp Creek at O'Connell.

The scope of works includes improving the intersection with Beaconsfield Road and strengthening the pavement south to the vicinity of the preschool and former church.

Background

The O'Connell Road links Bathurst and Oberon with Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) responsible for funding its maintenance via a contract with Oberon Council.

The existing road approaching O'Connell is rough and narrow. Roads and Maritime Services is widening and strengthening the pavement.  For most of this one kilometre length the road borders farm paddocks.

Along this section, there is an avenue of desert ash trees planted between 1925 and 1927. We appreciate the avenue of trees has significant heritage importance as a war memorial and to the local community because the trees were planted in memory of 36 local residents who served in the First World War.

The environmental impact assessment has been completed and an arborist's report evaluating the impact of the proposed road improvements on the Anzac Memorial Avenue of trees at O'Connell is available for your information.

Project objectives

• Strengthen the road pavement to current route standards.
• Widen the sealed pavement within the avenue of trees.
• Realign the intersection with Beaconsfield Road to improve sight distance and provide protected turn lanes in both directions.

Next steps

• Oberon Council has commenced the reconstruction works on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services
• Kerb and gutter works at the Oberon end are complete
• Upgrading works to the temporary detour via Box Flat road are complete with the gravel section now sealed
• Installation of new transverse drainage pipes are about to commence
• Widening works at the Beaconsfield Road intersection are underway
• Significant steps are in place to protect the trees in the memorial avenue (see the photo in the photo gallery to the right)
• Ongoing discussions with property owners and interested residents.