A new roundabout constructed by Armidale Regional Council and open to traffic last month will improve traffic safety on the UNE campus, helping to reduce the number of reported near misses.
Council commenced construction of the roundabout in early February at the busy intersection of Elm Avenue and Trevenna Road. Traffic was diverted from the intersection during construction with an adjacent slip lane and UNE providing detours and alternate access to its administration building throughout construction.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Cr Simon Murray said Council was appreciative of the support of the UNE community during construction.
"We knew this was a busy time of year for UNE and I would like to thank the UNE community for working around our tight schedule to get the project completed on time and on budget," Cr Murray said.
"Every opportunity to improve road safety in our region and deliver new and improved infrastructure for motorists is a win for our region."
Council secured $592,274 in funding from the Australian Government Blackspot Program, administered by Roads & Maritime Services, to design and construct the single-lane roundabout.
Work included new kerb and guttering, storm water pits and pipes, a centre island, relocation of the footpath and pedestrian crossing and installing new street lights. The design also incorporates improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said delivery of road projects such as this will provide many benefits for the Armidale community, now and into the future.
"Not only will staff and students at UNE be afforded safer roads for travel to and from work and study, the financial stimulus this construction and others like it - such as the Armidale Airport Roundabout - have created in jobs and local investment during tough economic times of drought, bushfire and now Coronavirus, cannot be understated," Mr Joyce said.
