Safety barriers, rumble strips and wider roads will be rolled out in key locations across Orange’s road network as part of safety infrastructure upgrades through the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program.
Orange mayor Reg Kidd has welcomed the announcement that six projects would be funded in the Orange area.
“I’m pleased the government is making $1.25 million available in the next financial year to improve the safety of local roads”, Cr Reg Kidd said. “Council staff use data about locations where there is a history of traffic accidents to apply for funding. That’s ensures the money is spent at places where it’s needed.”
Visiting Orange for today’s announcement, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said round three of the program would see $258 million invested into 383 projects across the state next financial year.
FUNDING: State roads minister, Paul Toole tells local media about $1.25 million funding for road safety projects in Orange, with (l. to r.) Mayor Reg Kidd and Cr Jeff Whitton.
“These are projects designed to save lives. We are committed to reducing the state’s road toll and the measures we are investing in will prevent the loss of more than 1500 lives and serious injuries on our roads over 15 years,” Mr Toole said.
“This investment will see $217 million injected into 285 regional projects through Saving Lives on Country Roads, and $41 million into 98 projects through Liveable and Safe Urban Communities for metropolitan NSW.”
Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said Orange would welcome six new projects through the Safer Roads program, which showed NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to regional communities.
“We know targeted projects can make a real difference to local communities like Orange,” Mr Farraway said.
“We are serious about saving lives on local roads, and all six projects will help ensure that someone who sets out on a journey returns home.”
The six projects to be funded in Orange are :
- Byng & McLachlan Street roundabout: Install reflective pavement markers & tactile linemarking ($20,000)
- Phoenix Mine Road: Widen the road to be up to 10 metres across, including adding up to 2.5 metres to curves ($335,000)
- Ophir road approx 900m from Bridge 1 to Bridge 2 near Banjo Patterson Way: Install flexible roadside barrier and widen the road shoulder ($510,000)
- Intersection of Kearneys Drive and Matthews Avenue: Upgrade street lighting at intersection. Move stop-signs and give-way lines forward using kerb extensions ( $110, 000)
- Intersection of Anson and Margaret Street: Move stop-signs and give-way lines forward using kerb extensions. Install pedestrian refuge islands ($130,000)
Hill and Casey Street – Upgrade street lighting at intersection. Move stop-signs and give-way lines forward using kerb extensions. Install pedestrian refuge islands on Hill Street ($150,000)
Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Jeff Whitton said the projects would boost safety for local drivers.
“The roundabout at the corner of Byng and McLachlan Streets has a history of road accidents,” Cr Jeff Whitton said.
“There’s been three accidents in fives years at that corner where someone had to be taken to hospital because of their injuries. Simple steps loike adding pavement markers can encourage drivers to approach that corner more slowly. That simple step is going to prevent collisions.”
