Tuesday, 28 May 2019
MOTORISTS will soon enjoy a smoother and safer journey on the New England Highway to and from Armidale Airport with a new wide centreline to be installed to ensure a safe separation of oncoming lanes of traffic.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the project was being delivered through the State Government’s Saving Lives on Country Roads program.
“These roadworks will improve road safety, which is important as Armidale Regional Council forges ahead with the $6.5 million 73-lot Armidale Business Park, eventually resulting in increased traffic around the airport,” Mr Marshall said.
“By widening the road, allowing for a new one-metre wide centerline, the separation of oncoming vehicles is increased, which has been proven to reduce crashes.”
Mr Marshall said the Saving Lives on Country Roads program had also provided funding for a range of safety work on the New England Highway between Armidale and Uralla, much of which has already been completed.
“Since August last year, $13.4 million has been spent improving safety and efficiency on the stretch of highway between Uralla and Armidale,” Mr Marshall said.
“This includes installing 9.9 kilometres of wide centreline treatment, 11.6 kilometres of audio tactile line marking and 3.9 kilometres of new safety barriers.”
Work to upgrade the section of highway near the new airport roundabout will start tomorrow, 29 May, and will be carried out on weekdays from 7am to 7pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. Work is scheduled to be completed by July, weather permitting.
Additional information about the New England Highway safety upgrade can be found at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/northern-nsw/new-england-highway