26 November 2020

A mass rollout of rumble strips along the Olympic and Sturt highways is under way to improve safety for thousands of NSW road users.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the installation of 2250 kilometres of rumble strips - also known as audio tactile line marking - is part of the NSW Government's
$640 million Saving Lives on Country Roads initiative, delivering safety improvements on high-risk country roads.

"Two-thirds of road deaths in NSW occur on country roads and crashes involving vehicles crossing over the centre line are one of the most severe types of crashes," Mr Toole said.

"Rumble strips are a highly effective road safety treatment, known to reduce these incidents by 25 per cent.

"This is just one way the NSW Government is working towards a zero toll by 2050 on our roads."

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that starting this month through to April next year, the first lot of 750 kilometres of rumble strips will be installed on the Olympic Highway, starting at Cowra and heading south.

"This will be a great boost for the local economy supporting 15 jobs," Ms Cooke said.

"Rumble strips are so vital for keeping drivers alert and on the road. One road fatality is one too many and I am so pleased this work is being done to make our roads safer."

Work to install 1500 kilometres of rumble strips on the Sturt Highway will follow - from Gol Gol heading east to Hay, and then Hay to Collingullie from February 2021.

To limit noise impacts, rumble strips will not be installed within 200 metres of homes or other properties sensitive to noise.

Lane closures and a 40 km/h speed limit will be in place during work hours and may affect travel times.

For the latest traffic information, visit the Live Traffic NSW website, download the live traffic app or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.