Motorists will soon be enjoying smoother and safer journeys along the Golden Highway with work starting this week west of Merriwa.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the NSW Government is investing $2 million into the project as part of its overall plan to upgrade this important transport and freight route, linking the Central West of NSW with the Port of Newcastle.
“This project will also help to boost the local economy by directly supporting more than 40 jobs and providing work for a number of local subcontractors and suppliers,” Mr Layzell said.
“Work west of Merriwa is designed to improve safety along a 1.3 kilometre section of the highway, between Pembroke Road and Krui River Bridge.”
Mr Layzell said about 2000 vehicles use this section of the highway each day, including 400 heavy vehicles, and it is a significant route for oversize and overmass vehicles.
“Work will include road surface improvements, upgrading the intersection with Pembroke Road, and installing roadside safety barriers.”
“Crews will also install audio tactile line marking, known as rumble strips, which alert drivers who may be drifting into the path of oncoming traffic.”
The work comes on the back of a $97 million upgrade to the New England Highway between Belford and the Golden Highway which will improve traffic flow, travel times and safety for motorists.”
Work starting on Monday 29 November will be carried out from 6am to 6pm on weekdays and from 7am to 4pm on Saturdays. Some weekday work will also need to be carried out overnight, from 6pm to 6am.
It is expected the project will take five weeks to complete, weather permitting.
A reduced speed limit, single lane closures and stop/slow traffic arrangements will be in place during work hours for the safety of motorists and workers.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
