4 August 2020

Work along the Mitchell Highway between Bathurst and Orange is driving safer journeys and supporting up to 200 jobs.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the NSW Government has provided $50 million over five years under the Saving Lives on Country Roads program to upgrade a 50 kilometre section of the Mitchell Highway to make it safer for motorists.

“The Mitchell Highway is a vital link between Bathurst and Orange for visitors, residents and the freight industry, carrying around 10,000 vehicles a day,” Mr Toole said.

“We are now half way through the five-year program which has already seen the installation of three kilometres of rumble strips and 1.3 kilometres of safety barriers and wide centre lines.”

Mr Toole said the recent completion of the Oaky Creek Lane project employed 50 people and 150 more jobs were expected to be supported with upcoming upgrades.

“Work to install safety treatments along a 2.5 kilometre section of highway at Guyong, and a 1.7 kilometre section of highway at East Guyong are due to start in Septemeber, and will support around 95 jobs.”

Mr Toole said rumble strips were highly effective, alerting drivers who were drifting out of their lane and are proven to reduce the likelihood of run off road crashes and head-on crashes by up to 25 per cent.

“When coupled with other safety treatments including widened shoulders, safety barriers and wide centre lines, these treatments translate to improved road safety, meaning those who set off on a journey can return home safely.”

Transport for NSW will advise the community in advance of the next phase of works starting.

or more information visit: Saving Lives on Country Roads.