Work has started on improvements to the Barton Highway in NSW, including the installation of a new intelligent transport system.
The Australian and NSW Governments will be delivering all the short-term works in the Barton Highway Improvement Strategy over the next three years, while also looking to bring forward works to duplicate part of the Barton Highway.
Initial works under the Barton Highway Improvement strategy, which started in November 2017, include tree trimming, adjustments to existing line marking, and installing updated road signs and safety barriers.
NSW Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the works would address the short-term actions identified in the Barton Highway Improvement Strategy, which was a comprehensive plan for taking action in response to community concerns about safety.
“These works will involve installing safety barriers and updated road signs, adjustments to existing line marking and tree trimming. There is likely to be sufficient combined funding to also do a section of duplication, and this is what both governments are now investigating,” Mr Chester said.
Mr Chester said the Australian Government has also approved a $3.25 million investment in intelligent transport systems (ITS) that are designed to improve trip reliability and to better manage and reduce traffic incidents.
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said ITS measures could include real-time traffic monitoring, closed circuit television (CCTV) and variable message signs at strategic locations to inform road users of changed traffic conditions.
“ITS and a duplication business case are two of the short-term actions identified as part of the improvement strategy, and the ITS measures in particular offer motorists the prospect of quicker, safer and more reliable trips by helping road users with travel decisions while improving incident management,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This is good news for the entire Yass Valley region and is the result of significant stakeholder consultation and community feedback received as part of the improvement strategy.”
Work is expected to be completed in mid-2021.
