The New South Wales Government has revealed details regarding the upgrade of an intersection on the Mitchell Highway.
From 20 May, work on the Mitchell Highway intersection with Pretty Plains Road will commence as part of the Government’s effort to make the road safer while also improving traffic flow.
Located around 20 kilometres east of Orange, the Mitchell Highway intersection will be widened to provide a dedicated left turn lane into Pretty Plains Road.
Once the lane construction is complete crews will conduct line marking and then install flexible safety barriers on the side of the road.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the project, aimed at reducing road trauma, will see proven life-saving solutions installed at various locations for the benefit of all road users including key freight operators.
“The Pretty Plains intersection was identified for an upgrade to address concerns about driver behaviour, including that west-bound motorists were overtaking turning vehicles which put them directly in the path of east-bound vehicles turning right,” she said.
“By installing a dedicated turning lane for those vehicles travelling on the Mitchell Highway between Bathurst and Orange, we’re providing opportunity for motorists to slow down safely on approach while allowing other traffic to continue through the intersection, improving efficiency.
“This is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to improve safety on our regional, rural and remote roads, as part of the Safer Roads and Network Efficiency Program, reducing travel times and increasing productivity after a decade of neglect by the former government.”
Work at Pretty Plains will be carried out between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. No work will occur on Sundays or public holidays.
A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place through the intersection for the safety of workers and all road users, with a stop/slow condition in place.
In other news, a new red light speed camera will soon be operational at the intersection of Hume Highway and Cutler Road.
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