Rumble strips to improve safety on the Mid-Western Highway between Bathurst and Cowra

Work to improve safety along 106 kilometres of the Mid-Western Highway between Bathurst and Cowra in the state’s central west is underway, with the installation of rumble strips.

Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM) was a proven road safety treatment in reducing the number of crashes by 15 to 25 per cent.

“Safety is our number one priority and using ATLM, otherwise known as rumble strips, along some of our key regional routes is an effective measure we can use to increase the chances that all our road users will get home safely,” Mr Lunn said.

“If a vehicle leaves its travel lane for whatever reason, such as fatigue or inattention, the rumble strips will provide that vibration effect that alerts the driver to correct their path and avoid a serious accident.

“Our crews will install 147 kilometres of ATLM and will be moving along the road corridor with mobile traffic control. 

“We ask motorists to be alert and patient, slow down if they approach our convoy and pass only when it is safe to do so, or otherwise allow the convoy to pull over if necessary to allow you to safely pass.”

Work hours will be between 7am and 6pm, seven days a week.

There will be minimal impact to residents of Bathurst, Blayney and Cowra with the ATLM only being installed along the highway outside of towns where the speed limit is 80 km/h or above, and at least 200 metres or more away from homes.

The project will continue until 1 June, weather permitting.

The Bathurst to Cowra project is part of the NSW Government’s $46 million Saving Lives Accelerated Package to install ATLM on key regional and rural routes in the three years to 2026.

More information on the project can be found at Rumble strip installation - New safety measures for six NSW Highways | Transport for NSW website.