Motorists are enjoying improved journeys on the Great Western Highway this long weekend, with safety upgrades through Medlow Bath at Bellevue Crescent and Foy Avenue now complete.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the community-driven safety upgrades were funded through the Australian Government's $3 billion Road Safety Program.
"The Federal Government is committed to delivering road safety improvements across the nation which make a significant difference to the lives of locals in small communities such as Medlow Bath," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Our $110 billion infrastructure pipeline is not only delivering the road safety outcomes for Australians, but it remains a key pillar of our economic recovery, securing jobs and livelihoods into the future."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the need for these upgrades had emerged from the consultation process for the Great Western Highway Upgrade as the community asked for a safer highway while the major upgrade plans are progressed.
"The community has made it very clear that they want a safer highway through Medlow Bath - and we are working to deliver on that as soon as possible," Minister Toole said.
"That's why we have now widened the highway at Bellevue Crescent and Foy Avenue while designs are refined for the full duplication of the highway through Medlow Bath, which will start in 2022.
"These safety upgrades are making a real difference, ensuring locals and visitors can continue to come and go from Medlow Bath safely, even during the busiest weekends of the year."
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the upgrades to the highway would improve safety for commuters.
"We are focussed on delivering critical improvements and upgrades to roads across New South Wales and the country, to help drive down the number of deaths and injuries on roads and ensure Australians can get home to their loved ones quickly and safely," Minister Fletcher said.
The highway has already been widened at each intersection and a dedicated right hand turn lane and through lane provided.
"Additionally, the shoulder of the highway has been widened to facilitate safe deceleration for left hand turns," Minister Fletcher said.
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the Australian Government are also thinking long-term when it comes to providing the community with safer, better roads.
"We're also thinking long-term, backing in the NSW Government's plans to upgrade the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Lithgow with a $2.03 billion commitment from the Australian Government towards construction of the East and West sections of this corridor, announced in the 2021-22 Budget," Mr Gee said.
"The broader corridor upgrade will address a critical missing link in terms of providing better access and less congestion through the Blue Mountains."
