Feedback sought for much-needed upgrades to Goonoo Goonoo Road NSW

The Australian and New South Wales Governments are pushing ahead with the Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade and the Tamworth community is now being invited to have their say on the next stage of the $58.4 million project. 

Goonoo Goonoo Road is a vital road and freight link on the New England Highway. More than 20,000 motorists use this road each day, making it one of the State’s most heavily traffic regional routes and critical freight link on the New England Highway network. 

Following consultation on the full project scope, the options for staged delivery have been refined to address the most pressing transport needs first in collaboration with Tamworth Regioal Council and development activities. 

“I take very seriously my commitment to get this project done, which was stalled after it was first announced by the NSW Nationals in 2019 and then re-announced it before the 2023 election. 

“Under the Coalition, this project was going nowhere, however working with the Albanese Federal Government, Tamworth Regional Council and local stakeholders, the Minns Labor Government has been able to get the Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade back on track. 

“More than 20,000 motorists use Goonoo Goonoo Road each day. 

“We want to make sure the upgrade meets the community’s needs now and into the future, which is why your feedback is so important. 

“When complete, this project will remove a major pinch point from the city’s road network, providing easier access for those visiting its entertainment and equestrian precinct,” NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Currently, there are two sections of the upgrade being considered – north and south of the proposed Craigends Lane roundabout that is now being delivered separately. 

The northern section between Craigends Lane and Calala Lane is being fast-tracked towards delivery due to heavier traffic volumes and its importance to local and regional connections to the North and East of Tamworth. 

Proposed upgrades to the northern section include: 

• Replacing the Calala Lane roundabout with modern traffic signals 

• Providing dedicated and shared turning lanes to improve traffic flow 

• Delivering controlled pedestrian crossings with signal phasing on all intersection approaches 

• Adding separate turning lanes for Goonoo Goonoo Road traffic entering Calala Lane 

• Widening the road to two lanes in each direction with a central median 

• Building a new eastern footpath from Craigends Lane to Calala Lane 

The Australian Government has committed $46.72 million towards the project and the New South Wales Government invested $11.68 million. 

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed staged approach and design as planning progresses. More information about the project and feedback opportunities can be found on the project’s Transport for NSW page. 

“Upgrading this busy section of Goonoo Goonoo Road is an example of the Australian Government’s commitment to support projects that improve safety and efficiency for both freight and regular commuter traffic. 

“This is about working with the community to get the best outcome for Tamworth. 

“The northern section upgrade will improve safety, support planned growth, and maintain the city’s role as a regional freight hub,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the infrastructure that locals need to increase safety and efficiency for one of the State’s busiest regional routes. 

“This major investment ensures the Tamworth region has the crucial freight and transport connections it needs now and well into the future,” Senator for NSW Tim Ayres said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Transport for NSW (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine