$24.4m worth of upgrades get underway on Mitchell Hwy at Deep Creek NSW

The New South Wales Government is getting on with $24.4 million worth of safety upgrades on a section of the Mitchell Highway. This project is part of the government’s initiative to deliver safer roads for regional communities. 

Funded through the Towards Zero program, a 6.2-kilometre section of Mitchell Highway between Wongarbon and Geurie at Deep Creek will be upgraded to provide road users with smoother, safer journeys along a well-known crash hotspot in the State’s west. 

The extensive works are already underway and will take about two years to complete. 

“As Minister for Roads, safety is my number one priority. These upgrades to the Mitchell Highway are a vital investment to deliver safer, smoother journeys on this key regional route. 

“The Mitchell Highway carries thousands of locals, tourists and freight operators every day, often travelling long distance at a time through the west of the state. 

“The Towards Zero program delivers important road infrastructure on the key routes used most regularly by motorists across the state,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Project map (source: Transport for NSW)

The upgrade will include: 

• Widening highway shoulders to reduce the risk of drivers losing control if they leave the road pavement 

• Installing wider centre lines to increase distance between oncoming traffic and reduce the risk of head on collisions 

• Upgrading gutters and kerbing to improve road durability and drainage 

• Improving stormwater drainage to reduce the risk of flooding 

• Installing new safety barriers to protect motorists and prevent run off road crashes 

Over a five-year period, there were five recorded crashes on the section of Mitchell Highway stretching from 1.72 kilometres east of Deep Creek Road to 4.48 kilometres west of Deep Creek Road in Geurie – sadly three people lost their lives. 

Transport for NSW will update the community of start dates as well as any impacts to traffic once all project delivery details have been confirmed. 

“This upgrade will make a real difference for the Dubbo community and everyone who travels along the Mitchell Highway. 

“We know the 6.2-kilometre section has recorded multiple off road and head on crashes in recent years, highlighting the need for this investment. 

“By improving safety and reducing crash risks, we’re helping ensure motorists can get home to their families safely. 

“The NSW Government is investing in safer, more reliable roads to better connect our regions and support local communities,” Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW