Photo caption: Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, and Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton officially opening the Horton Road bitumen roadworks, with a $5 million grant under the former government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
Monday, 13 May 2024
THE picturesque drive towards the Upper Horton village is now a lot smoother and safer with sealing works on Horton Road now complete, Member for Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall inspected and officially opened the 16.6 kilometre stretch of new bitumen road alongside Gwydir Shire Mayor John Coulton last week.
“The previous State Government set aside $5 million under the Fixing Local Roads program to bitumen seal the entire length of Horton Road,” Mr Marshall said.
“The road has transformed from gravel to bitumen, making it more accessible for all road users.
“Horton Road is well-traversed and will now be a lot safer and smoother for farmers trucking livestock and produce to market, as well as for local families who travel daily to work or access services in Bingara and Narrabri.
“Tar now runs from the Upper Horton village all the way to Bingara and Narrabri.
“It should also help grow local tourism opportunities with more visitors able to access the picturesque Horton River or attend the many horse sport events which take place in the valley.”
Mr Marshall said it was welcome news for Gwydir Shire Council with unsealed roads a significant burden on council’s bottom line.
“With less ongoing maintenance costs, money can be invested in other critically important road projects across the Gwydir Shire,” he said.
“This is fantastic news for Gwydir Shire and the finished works look terrific.
“Well done to Mayor John Coulton and the whole council team on seeing this project through.”