You could hear the collective cheer from Oakhampton Heights residents with the news that work will start to improve accessibility during flooding.
Scobies Lane, Oakhampton Road, Jenkins Road and Willards Lane, to name a handful of thoroughfares, are often cut off during wet weather events.
But, now, Maitland City Council is set to begin stage one of a multi-million-dollar project – jointly funded by the Office of Local Government and MCC – to construct the foundations of a new access road in the area, which will act as an emergency route in minor flooding.
It’ll be located to the south of Scobies Lane, running parallel with the flood control line.
The work will also involve the initial construction of 650m of road foundation and an intersection with Oakhampton Road.
The final design will be approximately 2.6m higher than the lowest point of the existing Scobies Lane and reduce the length of time Oakhampton Heights residents are cut off by floodwaters.
“This should improve access for locals during minor flooding,” council’s acting group manager infrastructure and works Ashley Kavanagh said.
“The project, while being staged, will have an immediate improvement for residents in the area as it opens up another access point in and out of Oakhampton Heights even during construction.
“However, most importantly, it will reduce the time locals are isolated when it floods.”
To support these works, the removal of an existing dairy structure, farm sheds, a water tank and fencing will take place while powerlines are relocated.
Major earthworks are scheduled to begin this week, with stage one set to be completed in October, weather permitting.
The current Scobies Lane will remain open until all stages of the project are finished.
For more community stories:
- Maitland Showground secures $84,000 funding windfall
- New programs helping shape Singleton’s future… now
- Shoal Bay to remain a jewel in Port Stephens’ crown
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