Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has been challenged get a funding commitment to upgrade Werris Creek Road, before there is a “major truck accident” on the notoriously deadly stretch.
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Tamworth Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate, Jeff Bacon, is so concerned about the state of the road, he asked council to count the number of vehicles using the road everyday.
Of the roughly 4200 vehicle movements per week day on the Tamworth end of the road, 550 are heavy vehicles.
“We need a commitment out of Mr Anderson to get this done, we need a money commitment, not just fairy tales in the media,” Mr Bacon said.
Mr Bacon said given a rail freight hub had recently been approved at Werris Creek, the number of heavy trucks using the road was set to grow.
“Having that business there will no doubt put extra traffic on the road between Werris Creek and Tamworth, that's just a given,” he said.
“While the majority of the 50 to 60 trucks coming in everyday will come in on the Quirindi end, blind Freddy can see it’s still going to raise the traffic at the other end.
“Heaven forbid it, but I can guarantee we will see a major truck accident on that road in the next couple of years unless we fix it.”
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At the end of June, Mr Anderson said he was pushing to upgrade the road, but Mr Bacon said he wanted action, not lip service.
“We need the novelty check,” Mr Bacon said.
Data from the RMS shows in the past five years, there have been 35 accidents, including five fatals.
In a written statement to The Leader, Mr Anderson pointed to federal government funding announced in April to upgrade a two-to-three-kilometre section of the road north of Duri.
“Because, the community have highlighted their concerns, I will continue to work on upgrading this and other roads so that our motorists can travel safely,” Mr Anderson said.
“I will continue representations to Minister Pavey to make further improvements to Werris Creek Road and all roads around our region.”