Tamworth’s Country Road Roundabout today reaches a major milestone in its construction, with the first concrete slab being poured.

Two types of concrete pavements will be progressively poured over the next four months to create the roundabout’s footprint, with the project expected to be completed in full by May 2022, weather permitting.

One of several major projects driving the development of the Tamworth Global Gateway Park, the $9.534 million Country Road Roundabout is a critical piece of infrastructure, creating access points between the Oxley Highway and extended heavy vehicle network, Tamworth Regional Airport, new Tamworth Global Gateway Park, Intermodal Freight Facility and Hunter Land’s Tamworth Business Park.

Located at the intersection of the Oxley Highway and Country Road in Westdale, the new Country Road Roundabout will be dual-lane with five exits, including Gunnedah-bound and Tamworth-bound stretches of the Oxley Highway, Country Road, New Winton Road realignment and direct access to the Tamworth Global Gateway Park.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce says this first slab is just the beginning of a bright future for Tamworth and the wider region.

“The Tamworth Global Gateway Park is a crucial part of the City’s future, driving investment and growth in our region,” Mr Joyce said.

“It’s fantastic to see this project continue to take shape, and I’m proud to be part of a Government supporting regional projects.”

State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the new development in delivering the Global Gateway Park Project for the benefit of the region.

“This project is part of a significant investment in the growth of our city and our region and I am proud that the New South Wales Government has come to the table to deliver significant funding not only to this roundabout, but to the intermodal, the rail line and the park itself,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s an exciting time for business, industry and jobs in our region and I look forward to further announcements moving forward.”

Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said that businesses located in the new Tamworth Global Gateway Park will rely on this roundabout as a key link in their transport network, allowing them to easily access both the Oxley Highway and the Tamworth Regional Airport.

“Attracting new businesses and investment into Tamworth is an important part of ensuring we create a prosperous region for our community over the next couple of decades. Projects like these are essential to make that investment and economic growth a possibility,” Cr Webb said.

“As a major improvement to the safety and efficiency of the local road network, this project also supports Council’s goals to continue strengthening our network and connect our region and community with the rest of the state.”

The Country Road Roundabout has been funded with $4,532,000 from the Australian Government under its Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, $4,056,800 from the NSW Government under its Restart NSW Growing Local Economies Fund and $954,200 from Tamworth Regional Council.