A $12 million safety upgrade has been completed at Mitchell Highway, improving safety for commuters travelling between Nyngan and Bourke.
Beginning in 2021, the project was delivered by Bogan and Bourke shire councils on behalf of Transport for NSW.
The work involved applying road safety treatments along several sections of highway, totalling almost 47km.
Previously, this section of highway had only a narrow sealed width, with multiple edge breaks and failures which can increase the risk of run-off road crashes. There was also little room for correction if vehicles left the road.
By installing one metre-wide sealed shoulders on both sides of the road along the section of highway, the project has significantly reduced that crash risk.
New South Wales Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Sam Farraway, said the route is popular among both commuters and freight transport.
“The NSW Government is securing a brighter future for NSW through our investment in road safety to ensure people reach their destination when driving on our roads,” Mr Farraway said.
“The Mitchell Highway is a popular route for travellers and for freight in regional NSW, and this particular stretch is an important link into regional Queensland.
“Now completed, this $12 million investment will provide a safer journey for motorists, with less ongoing maintenance and heavy patching required.”
The upgrade was funded jointly by the Federal Government’s Road Safety Program and the New South Wales Government as part of a commitment to implement safety upgrades and improvements on regional roads.
Other work included selective reshaping of the pavement on the existing alignment, as well as drainage improvements.
A final seal will be applied within 18 months, after which rumble strips on the edge line will be installed.
