The New South Wales Government is commencing a state-first yellow line safety trial to help motorists identify work zones on the 155-kilometre Woolgoolga to Ballina section of Pacific Highway upgrade.
Temporary work zones and areas where there are changes to road conditions along the upgrade have been selected for the yellow lines, which replace the familiar white road markings.
“There is an obvious connection between a safer road system and reductions in fatalities and serious injuries. Ensuring the safety of drivers, cyclists and workers during upgrades is vitally important and yellow lines are one of a number of initiatives being considered to help achieve this,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester in a statement.
A 1.2-kilometre section of the road, south of the bridge over the Clarence River at Harwood, is the first location where the yellow lines have been installed.
The trial will be monitored with photos, dashcam footage and survey to understand if the new markings encourage motorists to slow down in work zones.
“The yellow line markings will be used to more clearly show motorists changed conditions such as rough road surfaces, reduced speed limits or workers and machinery nearby,” said Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.
“Signs warning motorists they are entering a yellow line marked zone, advising them to follow the yellow lines and when they are leaving the yellow line-marked zone will be installed to further improve awareness of the pilot program.”
Mr. Hogan said if the trial was successful similar measures would be implemented across the state’s roadwork zones.