The road construction and resurfacing by Transport for NSW that was originally planned to begin late this year will now begin on June 11, and completed by mid-July.
The change in timeline will require Edward River Council to bring forward spending that was not budgeted for until the next financial year.
Road closures and reduced speed limits will continue as the project progresses, with day and night work to be scheduled, but the accelerated works program may reduce the impact time frame overall.
The $14.5 million, multi-stage joint project will take place between Harfleur St and Ochtertyre St to “make it better and safer for all road users”.
Edward River Council has been undertaking the first phase of the project since April last year, involving construction of a new and larger water main, new kerbs and gutters and some new footpaths.
Transport for NSW will start the next stage of work from June 11, delivering a new road surface on a 430m section between Harfleur and Wood streets.
The work will include new concrete median strips, turning lanes and pedestrian crossings to improve road safety, along with landscaping to improve the appearance of the street.
The resurfaced road will also include new marked parking bays to support access to local homes and businesses.
The final stage of the project will include further road resurfacing on a 506m section between Wood and Ochtertyre streets, and is expected to be carried out next financial year by Transport for NSW.
The accelerated program has required variations to work contracts, which were approved by the council at its meeting this week.
In a report to council, director infrastructure Mark Dalzell said the variations were required because the project has evolved as a “more complex joint delivery project”.
TfNSW asked for multiple changes, including additional works that were originally expected to be delivered or managed by the state agency.
“This has brought forward pavement reconstruction from later in 2026 to June, resulting in expanded project management, surveillance, quality assurance and reporting obligations,” Mr Dalzell said in the report.
“Utility‑related works involving electricity, telecommunications and water have also required further investigation and adjustment, while some construction conditions and service conflicts only became clear once works commenced.
“Several works have been brought forward because they are more efficient to complete while the road corridor is already under construction.”
Additional project management services have been triggered by amended TfNSW expectations, and the need to meet some funding deadlines which expire on June 30.
“Meeting this timeframe has required changes to the original delivery sequence, including bringing forward pavement‑related works and increasing project resources,” Mr Dalzell noted.
While this has created pressure across the project, ERC CEO Jack Bond and Mayor Ashley Hall said it also allows a larger portion of the overall upgrade to be completed sooner.
They also explained that a significant share of the additional work will be funded by TfNSW, and not from council’s budget.
Council’s financial obligations are limited to works that remain a council responsibility, or which directly impact council assets.
This includes bringing forward $95,000 for stormwater works under Ochtertyre St, $58,000 for Coles access modifications, and an estimated $200,000 to construct parking lanes, a service road and intersections.
The latter is where council anticipates cost savings will be realised, with TfNSW originally quoting this part of the project may be $400,000.
Cost savings are also expected to come from efficiencies, with more project components being completed while crews and traffic control are already established on site.
Mr Dalzell acknowledged the disruption caused by the project already, and said council would continue working with TfNSW, contractors and affected stakeholders to manage disruption, to communicate changes and respond to any issues as they arise.
Mayor Ashley Hall recognised the importance of the partnership between Edward River Council and TfNSW, and the scope of the project they are delivering.
“We’re pleased to be working with Transport for NSW to reach the next stage of the Hardinge Street upgrade.”
“This is an important project for Deniliquin that will deliver a safer road with better pedestrian access and improved traffic flow through one of the town’s busiest areas.”
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