One of New South Wales’ most historic roads will receive a wide range of safety upgrades as part of a newly announced $100 million project.
The Bells Line of Road has rich history in the state, but, as traffic numbers increase and extreme weather such as floods and fires impact it, a contract has been awarded to assess the road and develop strategic options for safety improvements.
The $100 million contract follows on the federal government’s 2023 announcement to fund safety upgrades to the key Blue Mountain route. Now, civil engineering specialist firm Civil Consulting and Highway Design (CCHD) has won the tender to identify strategic upgrade options.
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The improvements being considered include new overtaking lanes, realigned curves, safety barriers and intersection upgrades.
The NSW government has assured the industry that participating councils and other stakeholders will be “thoroughly consulted” to ensure a complete understanding of local priorities, plans and options are mapped out to provide a safer and more reliable transport network.
With development required to occur in future stages, the government has asked the wider community and stakeholders to consult on a proposed shortlist of projects by the end of the year.
“The Bells Line of Road is a key link between Lithgow and the Hawkesbury, through the north of the Blue Mountains. As local tourism businesses in Bilpin and surrounding regions boom, the road is getting busier and ensuring it has the necessary safety and resilience improvements is essential,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“The Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s most beloved national parks, so as we proceed, we’ll ensure the future upgrades are designed to minimise heritage and conservation impacts.”
NSW regional and transport minister Jenny Aitchison says the state is grateful to the federal government for their commitment and support.
“The road is very vulnerable to closures from bushfires and landslips, which result in delays for motorists and makes it difficult to manage traffic during incidents. It also has a crash rate higher than other similar NSW roads,” she says.
“Transport for NSW will engage with local councils and other targeted stakeholders to make sure that options put forward align with council and community aspirations. This will help ensure that upgrades will benefit both local traffic and the commuters, tourists and freight operators who travel along it every day.
“There has been a substantial planning and engagement on the corridor in recent year, and Transport for NSW will draw on this knowledge – as well as valuable input from local experts – in identifying upgrade options.”
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