Road safety upgrades and improvements being carried out across New England will receive new funding under the Road Safety Program.
The funding will support 13 ongoing road safety projects that will help get locals, visitors, and freight to their destination sooner and safer.
The latest Commonwealth funding to local projects include:
- Waterfall Way – Sandy Creek to Wakefield Road - $3,739,306
- HW27 - Golden Highway, Merriwa - Culverts B3934 & B3935 - Widening of culverts to prevent road corridor narrowing - $1,601,708
- Waterfall Way – Pantons Gully to Ebor Rubbish Tip - $1,533,380
- Oxley Highway - Goddards Lane Heavy Vehicle Intersection Upgrade - $1,364,159
- MR76 Waterfall Way - RSR (Dorrigo to Armidale) - Improve shoulder width, install roadside safety barrier, Install ATLM, Upgrade an intersection - $563,825
- Gwydir Highway (State Road) shared path in Inverell - $22,294
- Station Street pedestrian safety, Kootingal - $22,986
- HW11 Oxley Highway Install clear zone - $54,656
- Tamworth Sports Dome pedestrian safety - $61,278
- MR62 Shoulder widening and sealing - $68,320
- Garden Street pedestrian safety, South Tamworth - $129,380
- Provision of Guardrail (new installation) Bunnan Rd, Willow Tree Road - $163,969
- 20km shoulder widening and sealing of Thunderbolts Way and Bucketts Way - $273,283
Projects will help employ local workers and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive the region’s economic recovery.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the funding was a big win for locals.
“A total of $11.2 million (including State Government funding) will be shared across New England to fund ongoing road safety upgrades and improvements to help reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries occurring on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Currently around 1,200 people die and 40,000 are seriously injured on our roads each year, which is why our Government is taking strong action by delivering record investment in road safety across the nation.
“These improvements will start rolling out in coming weeks and are expected to be completed by mid-2022, meaning the community will quickly start reaping the benefits.”
Mr Joyce who is also, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.
Road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.
“Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads.”
The Government has already invested $1.5 billion under the Road Safety Program in more than 1,050 road safety projects across Australia, most of which are complete and benefiting communities.
More information on the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program and other road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/programs/infrastructure-programs.