Work has finished on a $1.78 million project to seal another section of the Richmond-Winton Road.
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The project started in May 2020 and is part of ongoing works to progressively seal additional sections of the 145km long road. Currently, about half of the road is gravel and is prone to closures following rain.
This project has delivered pavement construction and bitumen sealing to a width of 8m and is providing safer passing and overtaking opportunities for motorists and tourists on the dinosaur trail. It is also improving the efficiency and reliability of this key freight link.
Department of Transport and Main Roads District Director (Central West) Eric Denham said the works,about 117 kilometres north-west of Winton, had increased the amount of sealed road by an additional four kilometres.
"This is a step closer to progressively sealing all of Richmond-Winton Road," Mr Denham said.
"The road is a key link between the Landsborough and Flinders highways. Increasing the amount of sealed surface will improve safety, efficiency and reliability, which is essential to the movement of people and freight."
Mr Denham said the project had provided job security for council work crews.
"The project was delivered by Winton Shire Council, with local people carrying out the work."
Winton Shire Council Mayor Gavin Baskett said the project completion had come at a welcome time with the recent revival of tourism.
"We have seen more and more visitors which is terrific after such a tough start to the tourism season," Cr Baskett said.
"As I have said before, tourism really is everyone's business and it is good to know the State Government is making sure we have the road network needed to prosper now and in the future."
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