The Federal and New South Wales Governments are partnering to deliver road safety upgrade works on the New England Highway, north of Armidale.
This $9.6 million project is being delivered as part of the Federal Government’s Road Safety Program, with the Federal and New South Wales Governments each committing $4.8 million.
Both governments have committed $518.3 million under the Road Safety Program across 2023-2024 to 2025-2026, to deliver road safety treatments throughout the state.
Safety features on this project include extending the length of the existing southbound overtaking lanes by about 350m, widening the highway to provide two 3.5m-wide travel lanes, wide centreline treatment and two 1.5m-wide sealed shoulders.
A wide centreline treatment increases the separation distance between oncoming vehicles, reducing the risk of head-on collisions.
The intersection with Puddledock Road will be upgraded to allow a separate right turn into Puddledock Road, improving the efficiency and safety of the intersection.
Work will also involve strengthening and repairing the existing road sealing, new line markings, road safety barriers and raised road markers, improving and extending drainage, and maintenance of roadside signage.
The projected completion date is the end of March 2026.
Federal Assistant Regional Development Minister, Anthony Chisholm, said, “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.
“The Road Safety Program supports the improvement of the New South Wales 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.”
New South Wales Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Jenny Aitchison, said, the state government is committed to improving safety on key roads and are pleased to be co-funding this work.
“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,” Minister Aitchison said.
