THE most challenging section of the long-awaited $11 million Riverina Highway upgrade has become a casualty of last year's record rainfall with the project completion pushed back to mid-2018.
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Stage two works from Lake Hume Village to Bethanga Bridge were originally scheduled to be completed late this year.
But Roads and Maritime Services have confirmed the altered schedule and confirmed equipment used on the Riverina Highway improvements had to be deployed to other flood affected parts of the state including West Wyalong and the Sturt Highway.
Work finally began on stage two late last year and resumed in mid-January following the peak holiday period.
One lane is presently closed to traffic.
The section to Bethanga Bridge will be a more narrow road width than works already completed from Sandy Creek to Lake Hume Village, but still a major improvement for road users.
RMS regional maintenance delivery manager Mitch Judd said stage two would be a major challenge for the 20-plus works crew.
“The project is located in a very restricted area,” he said.
“There are steep embankments on one side and steep cuts on the other.
“We've got to think carefully how we manage our material and how we do the excavation work.
“We've also got to work out how we keep the road open at the same time.”
Mr Judd said blasting wasn't required to remove the rock in the large embankments.
“We are able to use excavators, rock hammers and bulldozers to break down the rock and move it around,” he said.
“The size of the area we can work in limits how much gear and people we can put on the job.
“It does extend the timeframe a little bit.”
The major excavation works began last week and will take about a month to complete, weather permitting.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin asked for patience from motorists who use the section of the Riverina Highway being improved.
“Motorists should allow extra time and follow the direction of traffic control and all signs, including reduced speed limits,” he said.
“Once the slope has been excavated, the fill will be used to widen the opposite, southbound lane of the highway.
“This part of the project is expected to be completed by the end of March.”
Mr Aplin said the works were being carried out weekdays from 7am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
The NSW Government provided the funding for the Riverina Highway upgrade which began two years ago.
