Clearer picture on road works

The Olympic Highway is a state road run under the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). RMS decide on the work done and Hilltops Council deliver the work on their behalf.

Council don’t normally comment on RMS roads but Hilltops Council General Manager, Anthony McMahon, has been forthcoming on the upgrade. The RMS assessed the road and deemed it as needing to be reworked to make the bend and intersection at the top of the hill safer and more accessible to residents. The entirety of the work is funded by the RMS with no Council funds being used, he said.

Speaking to individuals at other councils within the Central West, it was made clear that if RMS request work done Council has an obligation to fulfill the work i.e. if Hilltops council were to reject the work or the proposal, the RMS would use their own employees to complete the work. Which means that Hilltops Council would miss out on the income of the contract with state and the work would go ahead regardless.

Anthony stressed that funds have not been taken from other roads in the Hilltops Council and the realignment of the corner is a part of a bigger state run project with more work taking place in the next few years.

The Bendick Murrell Bends is another area of concern to local residents. Though Hilltops Council cannot apply for Black Spot funding for the state run road, they are pushing RMS to apply for realignment and highlighted their opinion realignment should be a priority. Anthony has underlined that Council are making sure they bring attention to the area, having already flagged the area with the Roads Minister, Duncan Gay.

Hilltops Council has asked that residents with any concerns regarding roads or roadworks to please contact them. For advice or information about any upcoming road works more information can be found on the Hilltops Council website.