A suite of safety measures are being rolled out along the Mitchell Highway with construction of wider road shoulders, improvements to drainage and installation of new roadside barriers now underway at Cooba Road, west of Dubbo.
NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the $1.25 million project was being delivered through the Safer Roads Program.
“Living in regional NSW means more time spent on the road, which is why we’re committed to delivering the projects that ensure those who set off on a journey return home safely to their loved ones,” Mr Saunders said.
“This section of the Mitchell Highway has little to no road shoulders, which means when a motorist needs to pull over, there are few options to safely do so.
“The project will also remove trees that may block eye line or make it difficult to pull to the side of the road, extend drains to improve water runoff, and will install new signs, road shoulders and roadside barriers.
“The NSW Nationals in Government are also investing $18 million to build three overtaking lanes on the Mitchell Highway between Dubbo and Narromine, with work expected to commence by the end of the year.
“These overtaking lanes will allow motorists to safely overtake slower vehicles.”
Work on the safety package started in March and will take place between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. Some weekend work may be necessary and will take place between 8am and 1pm on Saturday. The project is expected to take three months to complete, weather permitting.
Motorists will need to slow to 40 kilometres per hour through work zones for the safety of workers and road users.