Safety upgrade works have begun on the New England Highway, around 9 kilometres north of Armidale.
The $9.6 million project will include extending the length of the existing southbound overtaking lanes by about 350 metres, widening the highway to provide two 3.5-metre-wide travel lanes, wide centreline treatment and two 1.5-metre-wide sealed shoulders.
The wide centreline treatment increases the separation distance between oncoming vehicles to reduce the risk of head-on collisions.
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.
“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.”
Additionally, the intersection with Puddledock Road will be upgraded to allow a separate right turn into Puddledock Road, improving efficiency and safety at 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.
State Duty MLC for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose added: “Once completed, this upgrade will provide safer journeys for around 4,000 motorists each day, including 650 heavy vehicles who regularly use this route.
The project is being delivered as part of the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program, with the Australian and New South Wales governments each committing $4.8 million.