A major safety transformation on one of the most important highways in regional NSW is now complete, thanks to a $15.7 million upgrade funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.
Motorists are set to benefit from safer, smoother and more reliable journeys through Sidling Hill on the New England Highway at Kentucky, after a critical 4km stretch of the highway was upgraded south of Uralla.
The project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments under the Road Safety Program.
The works mark the completion of the second stage of the Sidling Hill upgrades, building on earlier improvements delivered to the north and south and creating a consistent, higher safety standard through this challenging section of highway.
The first stage of works strengthened the corridor with improved road alignment, upgraded barriers and enhanced line marking to reduce the risk of serious crashes through the steep and winding terrain. Stage 2 has delivered:
Wider road shoulders to improve recovery space
New rumble strips to prevent run-off-road crashes
Extended southbound overtaking lanes to reduce driver frustration and unsafe manoeuvres
Additional safety barriers to better protect motorists.
Around 4,000 vehicles travel this stretch of highway every day, including approximately 650 heavy vehicles, making this a vital freight and commuter link connecting communities across regional NSW.
Transport crews will carry out minor finishing work including line marking in coming weeks, weather permitting.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"Investing in safer roads in regional Australia means fewer serious crashes and more Australians getting home safely to their loved ones.
"This is one of the largest and most complex safety upgrades delivered in this part of the state, and it will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists and hundreds of heavy vehicles that use this route every day.
"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Minns Labor Government to deliver major safety upgrades on key regional highways like the New England Highway."
Quotes attributable to Federal Senator for NSW, Tim Ayres:
"This upgrade is about delivering the critical infrastructure regional communities rely on every day for easier journeys, safer roads and more reliable freight routes.
"This is one of the most important highways in regional NSW - and the Albanese Labor Government's investment delivers important safety upgrades for the 4,000 motorists who use this stretch of the New England Highway every day."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:
"The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are delivering real safety upgrades on regional highways because people in the bush deserve the same high safety standards as motorists anywhere else in NSW.
"Sidling Hill is a challenging section of road. By widening shoulders, extending overtaking lanes and installing additional safety barriers, we're reducing the risk of serious crashes and helping more people get home safely.
"This project is part of a broader program of improvements along the New England Highway - strengthening this critical corridor for local families, freight operators and visitors alike."
Quotes attributable to NSW Duty MLC for the Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose:
"As the Duty MLC for this region, I know how important the New England Highway is for local communities, freight operators and the many people who travel through the Northern Tablelands every day.
"These upgrades at Sidling Hill will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists who rely on this road, delivering a safer and more reliable journey through what has long been a challenging section of highway.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in safer regional roads so communities like Kentucky, Uralla and the wider New England area stay well connected and people can travel with greater confidence."
