The 1.8 kilometre section, between Metz Road and Follies Road, is being targeted to provide a smoother, wider and safer road for local traffic, with improved roadside drainage.

As well as widening the traffic lanes to 3.5 metres, the project includes providing one metre wide sealed road shoulders, culvert extensions, guard rails and necessary alterations to driveways.

“This is great news for the Old Bar community and those using this important arterial road,” MidCoast Council’s Rhett Pattison.

“Old Bar Road has long been identified as a community priority, and now with an unprecedented level of funding available for our roads and bridges, a solid long-term program is being established to roll out across the entire region.”

Work is due to commence later this month, and will continue for about three months through to the end of November, weather permitting.

Single lane contraflow traffic arrangements will be in place for the majority of the works and motorists can expect minor delays.

“With any roadworks comes disruption, however we have scheduled the project to be completed as quickly as possible and outside of the peak holiday season,” Rhett said.

Motorists are asked to observe all roadworks signage, directions from traffic controllers, reduced speed limits, and to travel with caution through the area.

In a final stage of the project, estimated to take place from late November to mid-December, an asphalt seal will be applied along the rehabilitated stretch. Works to complete the final seal will be undertaken at night to minimise further disruption to traffic.

This project is one of many that will form part of the largest program of improvement works seen to date in the area.