13 September 2024

JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - $11.5 MILLION SAFETY BOOST FOR OXLEY HIGHWAY

The Minns Labor Government is investing $11.5 million to improve safety on a six-kilometre stretch of the Oxley Highway about 50 kilometres west of Gunnedah.

Work will start on Monday 16 September and includes:

  • widening and rehabilitating the pavement
  • widening nine culverts and
  • sealing the section of road.

Changed traffic conditions while the work takes place include single lane closures and reduced speed limits of 40 km/h through the work zone.

Work will be carried out over the next eight months on weekdays between 7am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm, weather permitting.

Motorists should follow the directions of all traffic control and all signs, including reduced speed limits.  For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic app or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This pavement improvement work will deliver a stronger and more resilient road surface, safer turning at the Oxley Highway intersection with Goolhi Road and reduced ongoing maintenance costs.

“These improvements will benefit all road users, including drivers of heavy vehicles who regularly use this route hauling freight across NSW.

“Crews were relocated from this job in 2021 to provide support to the urgent flood repair work required at various locations across the state.

“Rehabilitating the road surface to make it more resilient will reduce the need for ongoing pavement maintenance and improve the experience for road users, as well as reducing disruptions due to roadworks.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“In recent years the Oxley Highway has proven to be particularly prone to floods, this work will help improve the road’s ability to resist future flood events and remain open.

“As I have often said, it is important not just to rebuild roads after natural disasters but also to build them back better than they were. This work will continue the process of making our regional road network safer and less likely to be cut off during heavy rains.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“Regional NSW makes up a third of the NSW population but two thirds of deaths on our roads happen on country roads.

“This investment will improve safety on the Oxley Highway and will work towards achieving the goal of ensuring everyone gets home safely every time to their loved ones.”