Upgrades have begun on a number of heavy vehicle stopping bays along the Golden Highway in New South Wales to promote regular breaks and reduce driver fatigue.
Works will take place in various locations along the Golden Highway, including at the existing eastbound stopping bay at Dunedoo, new westbound stopping bays will be built at Elong Elong, and near Spring Ridge Road and at Boothenba.
Works at the stopping bays will include resurfacing, line marking, sign posting, and providing shelters and bins.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said heavy vehicle driver fatigue has been identified as a major contributor to road crashes, making these upgrades priority projects.
“The Australian Government is investing $23.8 million in these important safety upgrades under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, and we are pleased to partner with the New South Wales Government to deliver this project,” Mr Chester said.
“This is just one example of the Australian Government investing in critical road infrastructure, in partnership with state, territory and local governments to help save lives on the nation’s roads.”
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said adequate and frequent stopping bays along the Golden Highway will help manage heavy vehicle driver fatigue by providing drivers with stops at regular intervals along the route.
“These upgrades will improve safety for truck operators and motorists through the area, helping cope with significant freight traffic increases expected across New South Wales over the next 20 years,” Mr Coulton said.
“Work recently started to upgrade the existing eastbound stopping bay near Spring Ridge Road, 23km west of Dunedoo; and at the westbound stopping bay at Uarbry, 38km east of Dunedoo.”
New South Wales member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, said, “I welcome the ongoing investment into the Golden Highway, it is very important to our Upper Hunter communities for business and safety.”
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($23.8 million) and the New South Wales Government ($23.8 million).
