A CRASH hot-spot will be made safer with an $8 million face lift for the New England Highway near Kootingal.
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Work has already begun on the improvements between Sandy and Braefarm Roads, and it's all part of a broader program to spruce up the major thoroughfare.
The section of road has a poor crash history and is a high-risk area due to the number of intersections in the 100km per hour speed zone, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said.
"These safety improvements were refined and finalised in consultation with the community," he said.
"They include closing intersections with the highway at Wilson and Gill streets to separate local traffic from through traffic on the highway, and restricting access to the highway from Laurel, Oak, Pine and Privet streets to left-out only.
"This project is helping sustain 13 full-time jobs at Transport for NSW, together with providing work for 17 suppliers and contractors, which is vital in these challenging times."
Upgrades will also be made to Dorothy Avenue and Betts Lane, Chelmsford Street, Yarrol Road and Sandy Road intersections.
The highway will be widened in that stretch with a bigger centre line to increase the space between cars.
Some roadside trees will be removed to improve visibility at the intersections and guardrails will be installed to reduce the risk of vehicles leaving the road.
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The work will go on for the next nine months from Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 6pm.
Nearby residents can expect to hear some noise from the machinery, Transport for NSW will attempt to minimise the impact.
Properties will be accessible at all times but Laurel, Pine, Oak, Privet, Wilson and Gill streets will be closed at some times.
Traffic may be reduced to one-lane with a reduced speed limit in place, and drivers are advised to keep to speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.