DANGEROUS PARKES INTERSECTION TO BE MADE SAFER

ONE of the most notorious intersections in Parkes will be made safer through a Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government investment.

Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack announced a $102,000 grant for the Clarinda and Currajong Street intersection through the 2019-20 Black Spot Program.

Mr McCormack said the funding would go towards installing a pedestrian refuge, moving stop or give way lines forward and improving street lighting and line markings.

“This intersection has long been the site of accidents and near misses and now it will be much safer to navigate,” Mr McCormack said.

“Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities, but particularly the families and friends of the victims.”

Mr McCormack said the Parkes community’s input was critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate.

“None of these projects would be delivered without the local community’s vital input and I’d urge and encourage all residents and motorists in the Riverina and Central West to nominate projects for future funding rounds,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said New South Wales would receive $16.47 million under the latest round of program funding.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is committed to making roads safer in NSW and right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.

“Representing a regional electorate, I know first-hand how road crashes causing death and injury affect smaller communities, so I am very pleased to be able to announce this funding through the latest round of the Black Spot Program.

“By specifically targeting road locations with a history of crashes for safety upgrades such as lighting, signage, traffic lights and roundabouts, the Black Spot Program reduces crashes causing injury and death at those sites by around 30 per cent.

“Under the National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020, the Australian, state and territory governments have committed to reducing the numbers of deaths and serious injuries recorded on the nation’s roads by at least 30 per cent by 2020.

“Fixing the 78 black spots identified in NSW over the next 12 months will play a crucial role in helping us achieve that goal.”

The Federal Government is providing $744.5 million to the Black Spot Program between 2013–14 and 2021–22 to improve road safety across the nation.

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.