One of Tamworth’s most dangerous roads has been made safer after an upgrade funded under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.
The $470,000 project involved removing a slight dip in the road, widening the road by an extra two metres and improving the road surface on Werris Creek Road about four kilometres past Duri village.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade reflects the Government’s focus on delivering high quality infrastructure across regional Australia.
“Upgrades made through the Black Spot Program help future-proof Australian infrastructure and reduce the tragic loss of life on our roads, getting Australians home sooner and safer,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is yet another example of the Australian Government continuing to roll out these types of major projects across Australia under our $100 billion infrastructure investment, supporting jobs and communities at a time when it’s needed the most.”
The one-kilometre section of road being upgraded has been the site of two head-on crashes in the last five years with one resulting in a fatality and one serious injury.
Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the completion of the work means improved safety for all road users.
“We are delivering safer roads for people right around New England,” Mr Joyce said.
“What’s more, with fewer motorists on the road during the current COVID-19 travel restrictions, now is the perfect time to get this work completed and remove one more black spot from our region’s roads.”
Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said the upgrade will make the road safer for locals and visitors.
“Werris Creek Road is a busy route well used by drivers daily to work in Tamworth – it’s good to have the support of the Australian Government to make it safer,” Cr Murray said.
“Our region has more than 3,000 kilometres of road to manage, considerably more than any other Shire in NSW, and were are grateful to receive grant funding for improvements.”
A final seal will be applied to the road surface in warmer spring weather conditions to complete the project, along with audio tactile marking.
For more information on the Black Spot Program, including eligibility requirements and how to nominate a site for upgrade, click here.
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