SAFETY WORKS GIVE BARTON HIGHWAY BROAD SHOULDERS

SAFETY upgrades are continuing on the Barton Highway, with more work underway from this week as part of the combined $100 million package of works funded for duplication by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the new upgrades would involve improving road shoulders at various locations to reduce the risk of crashes.

“We understand how important the Barton Highway is for connecting regional NSW to the ACT. As a resident of southern NSW, I travel the Barton very regularly and see first-hand the need to make it safer,” Mr McCormack said.

“This safety work, which will take about a month to complete, follows on from other safety work carried out from November last year and will involve widening and flattening the road shoulders to provide additional road surface for improved road user safety.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said this would be in addition to work already completed to upgrade signs, adjust line marking, install safety barriers and clear vegetation.

“Further safety work scheduled for later in the year will involve the removal of some mature trees and stormwater drainage improvements. Environmental assessment will be required before this work can start,” Mrs Pavey said.

Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the work would be carried out between 9.30am and 3pm on weekdays, weather permitting.

“Lane closures closest to where work is being carried out will be in place during work hours for the safety of motorists and workers. Access to side roads will be maintained but may be managed by traffic control at times,” Senator Molan said.

State Member for Goulburn Pru Goward thanked motorists for their patience while the vital works are carried out

“I’m pleased to see the Government is taking the next steps to improve the road, meanwhile duplication works will also continue,” Ms Goward said.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the direction of traffic control and all signs, including a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h during work hours and traffic control.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.