The NSW Government is investing $2.5 million to improve road safety on the Olympic Highway by installing flexible safety barriers between Wagga, Cowra and Albury.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the work will go a long way to helping reduce the severity of run-off-road crashes and assist in creating a safer driving environment for all road users travelling on the Olympic Highway.
“In addition to the safety barriers, and as part of the NSW Government’s $640 million Saving Lives on Country Roads initiative, 600 kilometres of rumble strips have been installed on the highway to alert drivers when they are moving out of their lane with a distinct sound and vibration,” Ms Cooke said.
“There’s nothing more important than someone getting home safely to their family at the end of the day. We are committed to reducing the state’s road toll and is about investing in projects like this one that help prevent lost lives and serious injuries on our roads.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the flexible safety barriers are being rolled out as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to stronger and safer regions.
“From next week we will have about 30 people working at several locations between Wagga Wagga, Bethungra, Cowra and Albury installing this life saving treatment which can reduce the severity of crashes by 95 per cent,” Mr Clancy said.
“Along the Olympic Highway from Albury to Wagga and Cowra, 265 crashes were reported in the five years to June 2018.”
Installation of the flexible safety barriers will start on Tuesday 6 April, and is expected to be completed by late June, weather permitting.
Lane closures and a 40 km/h speed limit will be in place during work hours, and may affect travel times. Road users should drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
