The Minns Labor Government is cutting the ribbon today on a major road safety upgrade for the North Coast, with a new roundabout opening to traffic for the first time, at the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way at Valla Beach.
A crew of 15 local workers and 30 contractors hustled throughout December and early January to complete the upgrade on schedule, ensuring the intersection was safely reopened to traffic.
The upgrade addresses a known crash hotspot that had been the site of repeated near misses, serious crashes and a tragic loss of life.
Community members raised concerns and called for action, and the Minns Government has responded with a long-term safety solution.
The $1.5 million project, funded through the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, reflects the Government's commitment to making road safety a top priority, particularly on regional roads where the consequences of crashes are often more severe.
The roundabout builds on earlier safety improvements already delivered at the site, including a permanent reduction of the speed limit to 60 km/h, improved line marking, new safety barriers, temporary pavement markers and vehicle-activated warning signs.
The final design was informed by community feedback and expert advice from the NSW Centre for Road Safety, striking the right balance between safety, access and traffic movement through the intersection, which includes blind hills and challenging terrain.
Following a year in which more than 350 people lost their lives on NSW roads, the Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in targeted infrastructure upgrades to reduce near misses and prevent fatalities.
However, infrastructure alone cannot eliminate road trauma.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, follow the rules and drive to the conditions. Road safety is a shared responsibility.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"I'm so pleased to visit Valla Beach for this major safety upgrade. I'm also here to thank everyone involved in delivering this important road safety upgrade for the Mid-North Coast.
"The Minns Labor Government is acting to make our roads safer, and this upgrade shows what delivery looks like.
"For too long, this site was the scene of serious crashes and near misses.The community rightly demanded better - and we have been able to deliver a permanent fix.
"I've visited this intersection time and again since because it matters to the community, and it matters to us.
"Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and we are determined to do everything we can do reduce deaths and trauma on our roads.
"We have invested at this site to reduce near misses and save lives, but infrastructure can only go so far. We need motorists to slow down and do their part."
