Thursday, 20 February 2020
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today announced work is set to begin on a multi-million-dollar project to improve safety and road conditions on the New England Highway, near Kentucky, south of Uralla.
Mr Marshall said from Monday, 24 February, Transport for NSW crews would be onsite and cracking on with stage 1 of the $7 million upgrade.
“From the iconic Thunderbolts Rock to the Kentucky Road turn off, over the next seven months we will see conditions on the New England Highway improved to reduce the risk of a serious accident,” Mr Marshall said.
“The six-kilometre section of highway will first be widened before it is resurfaced, better accommodating for the hundreds of trucks and cars which rely on the route to access our region each day.
“This straight section of road is well known for its overtaking lanes with many motorists utilising it ahead of the windy, two lane descent down the range to Bendemeer.
“The added bonus of the road widening is drainage problems alongside the highway will also be addressed, reducing water damage to the road surface and unnecessary maintenance.”
Mr Marshall urged motorists to allow extra travel time with changed traffic conditions in place.
“This project is expected to be finished in September, with traffic to be reduced to one lane wherever work is being carried out,” he said.
“Because there is such a large section of road being worked on Transport for NSW is taking a staged approached and a reduced speed limit will be in place during work hours which may affect travel times.
“While it may cause inconvenience for travellers in the short term, long term this project will greatly improve conditions and safety for motorists, so I plead with people to keep to speed limits, follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs and be safe.”
The work will be carried out Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm. No work will be carried out on Sundays or public holidays.
For the latest traffic updates, you can call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW Ap.