The New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is undertaking realignment work on a two kilometre section of the New England Highway, 17 kilometres north of Armidale. The $13.5 million project is fully funded by the Federal Government.
The project
The realignment will improve a poor section of road that has sharp curves and crests in a rural environment as well as a substandard intersection with Sunnyside Road.
In the nine years between 1996 and 2005 there were 27 recorded crashes with three fatalities on this section of the New England Highway. The poor road alignment has been identified as a contributing factor to these crashes.
The realignment of this section of the New England Highway will have the following major benefits:
- Improved road safety.
- Reduced travel times for motorists.
- Improved access for road users.
- Reduced maintenance costs.
Background
The New England Highway is the major link from the Hunter Region to the New England area and beyond. The highway is also a major route for heavy transport from Sydney to Brisbane and provides an alternative route to the Pacific Highway.
This National Highway project is fully funded by the Federal Government.
A fixed speed camera has been installed at the northern end of the project to assist in managing excessive speeds over this section of the highway.
Consultation
The RTA’s project team is working closely with the local Aboriginal community to protect Aboriginal heritage in the Sunnyside area. As a result, a number of archeological sites and a cultural site were identified within a eight kilometre radius of the project area. For more detail in regard to the Aboriginal cultural significance in relation to this project, please refer to the attached files below.
Current status
The contract for this project was awarded to Daracon Contractors Pty Ltd as part of the Government’s AusLink Program. Work has now commenced on site.
Once complete, this project will provide a more permanent solution to improve road safety and reduce crashes on this section of the New England Highway.
Works is expected to finish later this year, weather permitting.
More information
For further information please contact the project manager, Monica Sirol on (02) 6640 1013 or email monica_sirol@rta.nsw.gov.au.
Back to top