The Kootingal community is invited to have their say on improving safety on the New England Highway between Sandy Road and Braefarm Road.
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Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government was providing $50 million over the next three years as part of its Saving Lives on Country Roads Program for safety improvements on the highway between Uralla and Willow Tree.
The 6.7 kilometre section between Sandy and Braefarm Roads at Kootingal is used by about 6000 motorists each day, including almost 1000 heavy vehicles.
Mr Anderson said it was considered a high-risk area due to the large number of intersections in the 100 km/h speed zone.
We are targeting projects that can make a real difference to local communities in the bush, and also help create jobs during a time where they matter most.
- Kevin Anderson
Data shows vehicles entering and exiting high-speed zones are at greater risk of crashing, as it takes about 100 metres to stop when travelling at 100 km/h.
"Transport for NSW consulted with Tamworth Regional Council and impacted Kootingal residents about proposed improvements last year, which helped refine the proposal," Mr Anderson said.
"[S]o it's great even more people can have their say so we get this project right."
Key points of the proposal include separating local and through traffic by closing intersections with the highway at Wilson, Gill and Privet streets; restricting access to the highway from Laurel, Oak and Pine streets to left-out only; and rebuilding and widening the road, and installing a widened centre line and roadside guardrail.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said projects like this, delivered as part of the NSW Government's $217 million injection into 285 regional projects, would help keep the state's roads safer.
"We are committed to reducing the state's road toll and the measures we are investing in will prevent the loss of more than 1500 lives and serious injuries on our roads over 15 years," Mr Toole said.
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"We are targeting projects that can make a real difference to local communities in the bush, and also help create jobs during a time where they matter most," Mr Anderson added.
Feedback will be accepted until Wednesday October 14 through an online survey at yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/kootingal, or email grafton.regional.office@transport.nsw.gov.au.
For more information on the plan click here.
