Short Cut Road upgrade completed through Council, State Gov partnership

AN UPGRADE to Short Cut Road, which serves as a key freight route linking the Raleigh Industrial Estate to surrounding local roads and the Pacific Highway, is now complete.

The $1.6 million project was delivered through a partnership between the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program, which contributed $1.4 million, and Bellingen Shire Council, which invested $163,866.

Since construction began in May 2025, the upgrade has delivered significant improvements, including:

– Replacement of poor quality foundations

– Intersection upgrades and alignment improvements

– Drainage upgrades and kerb installation

– Bitumen resurfacing

– Guard rail installation and line-marking

– Signage installation

– Improvement to kerb and road widening in front of Ridgewood Drive bus stop.

The Fixing Country Roads Program, funded through Restart NSW, provides targeted infrastructure investment to improve local and regional freight access and create a more reliable transport network across the state.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the Short Cut Road upgrade was a great example of the program’s benefits.

“By significantly improving the safety, resilience and overall condition of Short Cut Road, we’re making travel smoother and more reliable for residents, businesses and freight operators,” Minister Aitchison said.

“This road is a vital link for the area, helping local industry move goods efficiently and keeping communities connected.”

Mayor Steve Allan emphasised the positive impact on the community and local industry.

“The improved safety and overall condition of the road have made it more efficient for freight operators and the bus company based out of the Raleigh Industrial Estate to access key local roads and the Pacific Highway,” Mayor Allan said.

“Short Cut Road is an essential link between Urunga and Bellingen that keeps our communities connected.