Safety improvements and updated speed limits have been introduced along sections of the Bells Line of Road following a series of Transport for NSW speed zone reviews.
The reviews form part of planning for a $100 million road safety program, funded by the Federal Government, and examined sections between Bell and Mount Wilson, Claustral Causeway and Berambing, and Berambing and North Richmond.
The assessments considered crash history, road conditions, traffic volumes, road usage, property access and the surrounding environment to determine whether changes to speed limits were required.
The key changes include reducing the 100km/h section between Bell and Mount Wilson Road to 80km/h in all conditions over a 6.4km stretch, and introducing a new 50km/h speed limit through Bilpin’s shopping precinct to improve pedestrian safety.
Other adjustments include extending and refining several 60km/h zones at Bell and Bilpin to better reflect the road environment.
Transport for NSW said the changes are expected to add around two minutes to travel times while improving safety and providing more consistent speed limits along the route.
Additional safety improvements have also been completed, including upgraded directional and warning signage, safer overtaking lane merges, new no U-turn signage at the Bell heavy vehicle safety station, and new gateway treatments at Bell, Bilpin and Kurrajong Heights to encourage motorists to reduce speed when entering village areas.
Transport for NSW is also continuing to investigate further safety upgrades, including curve realignments, safety barriers, intersection improvements and additional signage, to help prioritise future investment along the corridor.
Transport for NSW Executive Director, Damien Pfeiffer, said the changes better align speed limits with current road conditions.
“The changes will provide greater speed limit consistency and smoother journeys for drivers on Bells Line of Road,” Pfeiffer said.
“We have also implemented additional safety improvements, including upgraded signage, safer overtaking lane merges and new town entry treatments to encourage drivers to slow down and take extra care.”
Other recent stories:
- Ten Inland Rail sites ready for double stacking
- Station precinct works continue
- Funding boost advances hospital plans
