Several New South Wales roads will be given significant upgrades to help reduce road trauma and save lives with a $78.6 million joint funding from the Australian and State Governments.
This new funding injection will support and fast track the delivery of 191 road safety projects across the state, with rural and regional roads prioritised.
“One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation.
“We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.
“Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation’s productivity,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
These road safety upgrade projects will include sealing shoulders, installation of rumble strips as well as improvements to physical barriers and medians to help prevent crashes.
In addition to the delivery of much-needed road improvements, the projects are also expected to create up to 580 jobs, providing opportunities for businesses and suppliers. The upgrades will also boost economic activity and drive the state’s economic recovery.
“The objective is to reduce fatal and serious injuries, moving towards zero fatalities occurring on our roads by 2056.
“Part of achieving this goal is ensuring that vulnerable road users, like cyclists and pedestrians, also see greater protections through road safety upgrades like separated cycle-ways and raised pedestrian crossings – which this funding will help deliver.
“One death of serious injury to a pedestrian, cyclists or any road user is one too many, so the most important thing we can do for our community here in New South Wales is to invest in making our roads as safe as they can be,” NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said.
The projects are being funded under the Road Safety Program, where the Australian Government has invested a total of $810 million to make New South Wales roads safer. Currently, the program is deliving 595 projects across the state and supporting 4,076 jobs
The new funding under the Road Safety Program builds on the $422.6 million investment for 404 projects – which are already completed or underway – across New South Wales.
The 191 new projects are anticipated to begin construction later this year.
“Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future.
“Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads,” Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport