Traffic barriers removed for improved holiday traffic flow between Bathurst and Orange
Work has been completed at two sections of safety upgrades on the Mitchell Highway between Bathurst and Orange, delivering safer journeys for motorists travelling through the Central West.
Safety upgrades at Vittoria East and East Guyong are now complete and open to traffic in time for the Christmas holidays. Work at Vittoria Curve is scheduled for completion in mid-2024.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the Mitchell Highway was a key route in regional NSW and that safety was the number one priority on all country roads.
“About 10,000 locals, tourists and freight operators travel the Mitchell Highway between Bathurst and Orange every day and the upgrades completed over the past five years represent an important investment in their safety,” Mr Lunn said.
“These safety upgrades, funded through the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program, have included road widening to allow the installation of flexible safety barriers that help prevent head-on and run-off-road crashes, asphalting and drainage work, new safer turning lanes, and the installation of audio and tactile line marking (rumble strips) in some locations to help keep drivers alert.
“In addition, new overtaking lanes have been built as part of the NSW Government’s Network Efficiency Program.
“We acknowledge the impact that this continued work has had on motorists but we thank them for their patience and trust they will reap the benefits for years to come.”
The Mitchell Highway safety upgrades began with a road widening and barrier installation at East Lucknow that was completed in July 2018, improvements at Oaky Creek Lane completed in October 2019, and a safety upgrade at Guyong that was completed in September 2022.
“We are committed to continuing to make the improvements to the state’s regional road network that will help drive down the road toll and help all road users avoid the anguish of a serious crash,” Mr Lunn said.
Find more information on the Mitchell Highway safety upgrades between Bathurst and Orange here.