Over 2700 kilometres of rumble strips will be installed along NSW’s regional highways, as an added safety measure against driver fatigue.
These rumble strips will replace existing reflective markers.
“Rumble strips are estimated to reduce fatalities and injuries by 15 to 25 per cent – particularly in crashes associated with fatigue or distraction,” said Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway.
The NSW Government has committed $46 million over the next three years to install these rumble strips and enhance line-marking on key regional routes, through the ‘Saving Lives Accelerated Program’ (SLAP).
The 2021-22 program includes the Cobb Highway (Hay to Moama) Castlereagh Highway (Lithgow to Dunedoo), Golden Highway (Singleton to Dubbo), Kamilaroi Highway (Quirindi to Bourke), Gwydir Highway (Grafton to Moree) and Oxley Highway (Wauchope to Coonabarabran).
Work will commence progressively from the end of June, between 7am and 6pm, seven days a week, weather permitting.
Reduced speed limits of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours along with single lane closures.
The installation of rumble strips on the Newell Highway is also well underway, and scheduled for completion in late September 2022. Work will be carried out between 6am and 6pm Monday to Sunday, with some changed traffic conditions in place.