A major safety transformation on one of the most important highways in regional New South Wales is now finished.
Motorists are set to benefit from safer, smoother and more reliable journeys through Sidling Hill on the New England Highway, after a critical four-kilometre stretch of the highway was upgraded south of Uralla.
The works mark the completion of the second stage of the Sidling Hill upgrades, building on earlier improvements delivered to the north and south and creating a consistent, higher safety standard through this challenging section of highway.
The first stage of works strengthened the corridor with improved road alignment, upgraded barriers and enhanced line marking to reduce the risk of serious crashes through the steep and winding terrain.
The second stage has delivered:
- wider road shoulders to improve recovery space;
- new rumble strips to prevent run-off-road crashes;
- extended southbound overtaking lanes to reduce driver frustration and unsafe manoeuvres; and
- additional safety barriers to better protect motorists.
Around 4,000 vehicles travel this stretch of highway every day, including approximately 650 heavy vehicles – making this a vital freight and commuter link connecting communities across regional NSW.
“This is one of the largest and most complex safety upgrades delivered in this part of the state, and it will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists and hundreds of heavy vehicles that use this route every day,” said Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain.
“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Minns Labor Government to deliver major safety upgrades on key regional highways like the New England Highway.”
In other news, the next stage of the $36 million Snowy Mountains Highway upgrade is commencing.
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