Improvement works have begun on a nine-kilometre section of the New England Highway in New South Wales, which are set to deliver smoother and safer journeys for motorists.
The New England Highway connects the Hunter region at its southern end to the Queensland border at its Northern end. Improvements are required to support the long-term viability of the connection as a key freight and interstate link.
Safety features on this project include extending the length of the existing southbound overtaking lanes by about 350 metres, widening the highway to provide two 3.5-metre-wide travel lanes, wide centreline treatment and two 1.5-metre-wide sealed shoulders.
A wide centreline treatment increases the separation distance between oncoming vehicles, reducing the risk of head-on collisions.
The intersection with Puddledock Road will be upgraded to allow a separate right turn into Puddledock Road, improving the efficiency and safety of the intersection.
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Work will also involve strengthening and repairing the existing road sealing, new line markings, road safety barriers and raised road markers, improving and extending drainage, and maintenance of roadside signage.
This $9.6 million project is being delivered as part of the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program, with the Federal and New South Wales governments each committing $4.8 million. Both governments have committed $518.3 million under the Road Safety Program across 2023-2024 to 2025-2026, to deliver road safety treatments throughout NSW.
State Duty MLC for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose said the project would provide a big boost to safety for local motorists and those passing through.
“Once completed, this upgrade will provide safer journeys for around 4000 motorists each day, including 650 heavy vehicles who regularly use this route,” he said.
“The NSW Government is proud to join with our federal counterparts to invest in regional NSW, ensuring every road user makes it home safely to their loved ones.”