The New South Wales government has announced that a $9.6 million project is underway to upgrade safety features of the New England Highway.
North of Armidale, the works along the highway will see the length of existing southbound overtaking lanes extended by about 350 metres, while the highway will be widened to provide two 3.5 metre wide travel lanes, wide centreline treatment and two 1.5 metre wide sealed shoulders.
The wide centreline treatment will increase the separation distance between oncoming vehicles to mitigate the risk of head-on collisions. On top of this, the intersection with Puddledock Road will be upgraded to allow a separate right turn onto the road.
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Works will also include strengthening and repairing existing road sealing, new line markings, road safety and raised road markers. Drainage will also be improved and extended while roadside signage maintenance will also occur.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of March, 2026.
“It’s critical that we continue to support safety projects in regional areas across Australia as our road toll is far too high, with 2024 on track to be one of the deadliest years on our roads,” federal assistant regional development minister Anthony Chisholm says.
“The federal government’ Road Safety Program supports the improvement of the NSW road network with an overall aim of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and a specific focus on vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’re also working with all levels of government to target rural high-speed roads, like the New England Highway, to reduce off-road and head-on collisions.”
NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says the state is committed to improving safety on key roads.
“The New England Highway is an important link in our road network for residents, agriculture and industry and tourism, and this upgrade work will ensure safer, smoother and more efficient journeys for all road users,” she says.
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