Work has this week begun on upgrades to a section of the New England Highway, about 23 kilometres south of Uralla, which will include widening and resurfacing.
According to Transport for NSW, around 4000 motorists use this stretch daily, with around 18 per cent of that number being heavy vehicles.
The NSW Government is providing $3.1 million from the Towards Zero program to deliver the upgrade.
The project includes widening the highway to provide a one metre wide centre line treatment and sealed shoulders as well as heavy patching and road resurfacing to provide a smoother road surface.
“The New England Highway provides an important link in our road network for residents, local industries and tourism, and this upgrade will ensure safer and smoother journeys for all road users,” said Transport for NSW Acting north region director, Tiffany Jeffery.
“Safety along this section of the highway will also be improved by installing new line marking, carrying out maintenance and improvements to drainage, removing overgrown vegetation to improve sight distance for motorists and the visibility of roadside hazards.
“Adjustments will also be made to safety barriers; new roadside signs will be installed and essential maintenance work will be carried out.”
Work on the project began on Monday September 18 and will be carried out from 6.30am to 6pm on weekdays and from 6.30am to 6pm on Saturdays.
“Traffic control, single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during work hours, which may affect travel times,” Jeffery added.
The project is expected to be completed in late February 2024, weather permitting.