Work has begun on a new eastbound overtaking lane on the Oxley Highway between Gunnedah and Tamworth in New South Wales.
Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said, “The NSW Government is spending $60 million to improve safety and reduce travel times on the Oxley Highway based on recommendations in the route safety review and draft corridor strategy.
“The new 1.3km overtaking lane will be built around 24km east of Gunnedah. The NSW Government has listened to local road users who have been calling for more overtaking opportunities along this popular highway for years.
“This is the second project being delivered under the NSW Government’s $50 million program to develop and implement recommendations from the Oxley Highway Corridor Strategy.
“The first project – an extension of the westbound overtaking lane 29km east of Gunnedah, near Rushes Creek Road – is almost complete.
“Other projects completed include providing new guardrail west of Gunnedah and road widening and intersection improvements at four locations west of Tamworth.”
Mr Anderson said several road safety projects will be delivered as part of this four year program, all of which will benefit road users including tourists and heavy vehicle operators who use the road regularly.
“The NSW Government is also spending $10 million to deliver some of the recommendations from the Oxley Highway Route Safety Review.
“The $60 million in total funding is evidence of the NSW Government’s commitment to improve this important road, which stretches 514km linking Port Macquarie in the east to the inland centres of Tamworth, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra and Warren.”
Work on the eastbound overtaking lane will be carried out from Monday 6 March and is expected to be completed in about two months, weather permitting.
