Armidale Regional Council has awarded a A$319m ($224m) contract to Bielby for the reconstruction of the Kempsey-Armidale Road and a section of Lower Creek Road in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
This move is aimed at restoring key transport links in NSW that have suffered repeated damage from natural disasters in recent years.
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Following a competitive procurement process, Bielby was selected to deliver the restoration work on a 43km stretch between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat, as well as an additional 5km segment of Lower Creek Road.
The selected corridor experienced significant damage due to bushfires at the end of 2019, as well as multiple storms and floods in 2020 and 2022.
Several landslips also occurred, causing further deterioration of road conditions.
Funding has been sourced jointly from the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The contract represents the largest Essential Public Asset Restoration project undertaken within the state.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW provided technical support and expertise to Armidale Regional Council throughout planning and procurement.
The broader project comes as part of ongoing efforts to repair public infrastructure impacted by natural disasters.
According to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, A$4.6bn has been committed for asset restoration and emergency works across the state.
In the last financial year, A$625m was distributed directly to local communities to assist with project delivery.
Preparatory activities on the Kempsey-Armidale Road are expected to start in the coming months, including detailed site surveys and the establishment of construction facilities.
Major construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with peak activity anticipated to create more than 220 local jobs.
The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2029.
NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “The awarding of this contract to deliver the largest ever road reconstruction project delivered in NSW is welcome news and a testament to the collaborative approach that the NSW Labor government has taken to reconnecting our regional, rural and remote communities, impacted by natural disasters.”
Until works are complete, the affected section of road will remain closed to the general public, with limited access provided only for local residents, visitors and emergency services.
The Kempsey-Armidale Road serves as a crucial link between Armidale and the coast, supporting transport, agriculture, and tourism in the Northern Tablelands and the Mid North Coast.
