The state government has called for a review before deciding whether to help fund a road link between Orange and Mudgee.
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Member for Calare Andrew Gee last week praised a $16 million funding commitment in the federal budget to build a new crossing over the Macquarie River on the Dixons Long Point Road.
He said the money would also enable paving of the dirt section of the current 4WD-only route.
Roads and Maritime Services will need to review a feasibility study to assess the benefits for road users.
- Paul Toole, Regional roads minister
However the project requires a further $3 million from the state government and for Roads and Maritime Services to build it.
Regional Roads Minister and Bathurst MP Paul Toole said a review was needed.
"Roads and Maritime Services will need to review a feasibility study to assess the benefits for road users and any additional upgrades required for the route," he said.
"The NSW government welcomes the federal government commitment [last week] to see a number of vital road and infrastructure projects get off the ground.
"I know there had been a push by the federal member [Mr Gee] to see Dixons Long Point Road upgraded and a new crossing of the Macquarie River built."
Labor candidate for Calare Dr Jess Jennings said the federal money would not be fully provided until 2023-24.
The road funding has been called into question by former Cabonne council engineer Bob Wyllie who said it would need more than $50 million to do the project properly.
"There are numerous engineering issues associated with construction of the link," he said in a Letter to the Editor.
"Firstly, the bridge across the Macquarie River will need to be of sufficient strength and height to resist the torrent of water and debris carried in floods past Long Point.
"Secondly, the existing narrow road will have to be widened to two lanes in steep and rocky terrain, not a cheap engineering construction exercise. The grades produced will not be conducive to either caravans or heavy vehicles.
"To further complicate the issue, significant lengths of the existing road are on private property and not in the gazetted road reserve."