The Singleton Council Area has received $7 million in funding from the Federal and NSW Governments to help improve the resilience of Kilfoyles Bridge and Stanhope Road ahead of future flood events.
The funds, provided through the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, will go towards:
- Raising Stanhope Road at Elderslie; and
- The betterment of Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road with a two-lane concrete structure.
“We are working with the NSW Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day, but particularly in times of crisis,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister. “Upgraded roads and bridges will help residents stay connected during flooding and improve access to emergency services. By raising the road and increasing the capacity of culverts, these projects will also reduce turbulence and help flood water escape quickly.”
Work to raise the road level along a one-kilometer section of Stanhope Road is already underway. It will involve major culvert upgrades to better manage drainage and improve access to the route during future rainfalls.
“I’m very pleased to have State and Federal Governments working together to improve access in times of flooding for Singleton rural communities,” Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore said.
The funding also covers raising Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road by at least 2.2 metres and upgrading the bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with a higher bridge deck and scour protection. This work is expected to start in November 2024.
“We’ve seen over the last few years the devastation that constant rain and flooding has had on our communities and on our vital infrastructure, said Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi. “Keeping our roads and bridges open during flood events is vital to stop communities being isolated. It’s all about building back better and it’s about the Federal Government working with the states and the local government so that we can build back better and give people the future they need.”
The improvements will help reduce the likelihood of road and bridge closures during severe weather and reduce costs for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
These upgrades are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).