NSW MINISTER for Roads Duncan Gay has announced the Lawson Alliance contractor, Abigroup Ltd, will partner with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to complete the widening of the highway to four lanes between Station Street, Woodford and Winbourne Road, Hazelbrook.
Mr Gay said the project that has been stalled since February when the previous contractor encountered difficulties was handed over to Abigroup this week.
“Work to start today will include improving environmental, traffic and pedestrian safety and temporary resident access,” Mr Gay said.
“Permanent work to improve pedestrian access to the Hazelbrook Public School, including the crossing of Clearview Parade, will start in the next two weeks.
“Abigroup has the right skills and experience to efficiently re-start and complete the Woodford to Hazelbrook project.
“They have successfully completed a number of projects in the Blue Mountains including Wentworth Falls West and the Shell Corner projects.”
Member for the Blue Mountains Roza Sage welcomed the news that work was to restart.
“It’s very encouraging to see work restarting so we can put an end to the disruption and impact on the community and residents. I’d like to thank the local community for their patience and I very much look forward to the completion of this vital project.”
Mr Gay said Abigroup would continue to ramp up activity on site, importantly involving discussions with and securing where possible former Reed subcontractors to offer them the first opportunity to work on the project.
“A dedicated team has been established onsite to provide a point of contact for local residents and will be making contact will the local community in the coming weeks,” he said.
RMS ended its contractual arrangements with Reed Constructions on 28 May 2012 for the work on this and other project across NSW after Reed stopped work due to financial difficulties.