More than $2.33 million will be spent on thoroughfares in the Hunter to improve road safety in the region.
At least $670,103 has been set aside for Maitland Road in Mayfield, while $311,672 was allocated to Wangi Road in Toronto and a further $179,300 for TC Frith Avenue at Speers Point.
The funding is part of a $202 million investment to deliver vital upgrades, as the NSW Government continues work to reduce the state’s road toll and the tragic impact of trauma on communities.
Tragically, despite regional areas only accounting for a third of NSW’s population, deaths on their roads make up approximately 66% of all fatalities.
Improvements, under the Towards Zero – Safer Roads Program, are expected to include installing safety barriers and shoulder widening.
“Having the best infrastructure in place can mean the difference between life and death,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“Our goal is to give road-users the best possible chance in the event of an accident.
“We want our roads in the Hunter to be safe for residents who use them every day as well as people visiting our beautiful region.
“From improving sign visibility to increasing the space between traffic travelling in opposite directions, even the smallest upgrades can make a difference.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison agreed.
“With $202 million to target and improve safety on roads in our regional areas, lives will be saved,” the Maitland MP said.
“These upgrades will make our roads safer for locals and visitors… and this investment will go a long way towards achieving the goal of ensuring everyone gets home safely every time to their loved ones.
“The projects under this program vary in size, location and cost.
“But, the really important thing they have in common is that they will all improve the safety of the people driving on them.”
Meanwhile, motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions in Mayfield so Transport for NSW (TfNSW) can carry out repairs on the Industrial Drive rail bridge.
Intermittent lane closures on the southbound and northbound lanes, traffic control and a 40 km/h speed restriction will be in place from Monday 2 September.
It’s scheduled from 7pm to 4am, Monday to Thursday, and is expected to be complete in one week.
Maintenance work is also slated for south of George Booth Drive on the M1 Pacific Motorway, West Wallsend.
One lane will be closed at a time in each direction for concrete slab replacements to provide a stronger, smoother road surface.
Starting from Monday 2 September, the project is underway between 8pm and 5am, Monday to Thursday, over the next fortnight, weather permitting.
Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place, too.
Work is also progressing on the New England Highway around Tarro.
A temporary speed limit of 60km/h will be implemented for eastbound and westbound traffic between Hexham and Beresfield from Monday 2 September until late 2026.
Changed conditions are occurring at the Anderson Drive off-ramp from New England Highway, as well, from 7pm, Friday 6 to 5am Saturday 7 September.
The eastbound ramp will be closed with a detour in place via New England Highway/Maitland Road.
Major construction will continue from 7am to 6pm weekdays and Saturday from 8am to 5pm, with out of hours from 7pm to 5am weeknights.
Lane closures with intermittent stoppages and temporary speed reductions to 40km/h appear at:
From 7pm to 5am, Monday 2 September to Friday 6 September
- M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and Black Hill
- John Renshaw Drive at Beresfield
- New England Highway at Tarro
- Pacific Highway at Tomago and Heatherbrae
- Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
From 7am to 5pm, Monday 2 September to Friday 6 September
- Lenaghans Drive at Black Hill
- Old Punt Road near Pacific Highway at Tomago
Operators of over-size and/or over-mass (OSOM) vehicles with a ground contact wider than 3.2 metres or with overall width greater than 4.5 metres are advised to contact the project team on 0423 323 946 at least one day ahead of proposed movement.
Significant delays can occur if they fail to do so.
For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or phone 132 701.
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