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Work is continuing to upgrade a major highway in the state’s north-west to provide smoother, safer journeys for local residents, tourists and freight operators.

An upgrade of the Kamilaroi Highway between Baan Baa and Turrawan has been impacted by several delays due to heavy rain and flood events in the area and the relocation of crews to other emergency patching jobs across the state, but is now on track for completion by mid-2024.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said crews were to be congratulated for continuing to make progress on the vital safety upgrade despite the difficulties they had faced.

“The Baan Baa to Turrawan upgrade was to be delivered in four sections and while all major construction on Sections 1, 2 and 3 have now been completed, we’ve had to revise the work schedule for Section 4 due to a series of weather-related delays,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Minor earthworks on Section 4 have now been completed and major construction work has just got underway to complete culvert widening and drainage improvements to improve the highway’s flood resilience.

“Shoulder widening in Section 4 will start in September and will be completed by mid-2024, weather permitting.

“We appreciate the patience motorists have shown throughout this safety upgrade ensuring a much improved and safer highway for all users.”

Safety upgrades along the 17-kilometres section of Kamilaroi Highway have included the installation of lifesaving flexible barriers, wide centre lines to increase the distance between vehicles, and audio tactile line marking (rumble strips) and other safety devices to help prevent run-off road and head-on crashes.

“Long distances are a fact of life in remote areas and these safety upgrades are focused on reducing the risk of fatigue-related crashes,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Far too many lives are lost on country roads and we are committed to doing whatever we can to get more people home safely after their journey.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said: “This stretch of road sees a lot of heavy vehicles working on the mines, along with a lot of tourists and everyday traffic, any upgrade that improves safety is more than welcome.”

The $26.4 million Baan Baa to Turrawan safety upgrade has been funded by the NSW Government as part of the Saving Lives on Country Roads program.

MEDIA: Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540