BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK
An $8.7 million redevelopment began at Mandalong's Deaves Road today, following extensive damages from an April 2022 storm.
It's a main arterial road located in one of the Hunter's biggest future growth corridors and provides an alternative route for the M1 Motorway and Freemans Drive.
Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, both the state and federal governments have been able to provide funding for the project to go ahead.
While Mandalong doesn't currently have a big population, the western Lake Macquarie-based suburb is earmarked for potential growth in the coming years.
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said the re-development aims to improve the road's stability, given it's in an area with a history of flooding and natural disasters.
"We'll be doing a major upgrade to the culverts to improve the drainage," he said.
"There'll also be specialist work, including pavement treatment that doesn't deteriorate over time."
While no set time for project completion was given, Mr Repacholi spoke on the importance of the project, in regards to flood-proof infrastructure in rural areas.
"Investing in flood-proof infrastructure is so important in the Hunter because we've been through natural disasters," he said.
"Since coming into the seat in 2022, we've experienced some horrendous rain events, some fires, and we need to make sure we are able to get people and families to and from areas."
Picture: Google Maps
