The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver safer roads for regional communities, with $24.4 million worth of safety upgrades being funded through the Towards Zero program on a 6.2-kilometre section of the Mitchell Highway at Deep Creek, between Wongarbon and Geurie. The major upgrade will deliver smoother, safer journeys for all road users along a well-known crash hot spot in western NSW.
The extensive upgrade work at Deep Creek is scheduled to start on Monday 10 November and will take up to two years to complete.
Key work includes:
- Widening highway shoulders to reduce the risk of drivers losing control if they leave the road pavement.
- Installing wider centre lines to increase the distance between oncoming traffic and reduce the risk of head on collisions.
- Upgrading gutters and kerbing to improve road durability and drainage
- Improving stormwater drainage to reduce the risk of flooding
- Installing new safety barriers to protect motorists and prevent run off road crashes.
Crash statistics for this section of the Mitchell Highway paint a sobering picture for all road users.
In a five-year period between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023, there were five recorded crashes on the section of Mitchell Highway stretching from 1.72 kilometres east of Deep Creek Road to 4.48 kilometres west of Deep Creek Road, Geurie and, sadly, three people lost their lives.
Transport for NSW will advise the community of start dates and any impacts to traffic once all details have been confirmed.
More information on Towards Zero is available on the Transport for NSW website.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"As Minister for roads, safety is my number one priority. These upgrades to the Mitchell Highway are a vital investment to deliver safer, smoother journeys on this key regional route.
"The Mitchell Highway carries thousands of locals, tourists and freight operators every day, often travelling long distances at a time through the west of the state.
"The Towards Zero program delivers important road infrastructure on the key routes used most regularly by motorists across the state."
Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
This upgrade will make a real difference for the Dubbo community and everyone who travels along the Mitchell Highway."
"We know the 6.2- kilometre section has recorded multiple off road and head on crashes in recent years, highlighting the need for this investment.
"By improving safety and reducing crash risks, we're helping ensure motorists can get home to their families safely."
"The NSW Government is investing in safer, more reliable roads to better connect our regions and support local communities.
