Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the New England Highway from next week as investigation work is carried out to inform future safety improvements.
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Roads and Maritime Services is planning to upgrade the New England Highway between Belford and the Golden Highway to provide two lanes in each direction and a flyover for vehicles turning right from the Golden Highway towards Maitland and Newcastle.
This particular section of the highway, tragically, has been the site of a number of fatal accidents and the community has been pressing government to start upgrade work.
The intersection of the New England and Golden highways during the peak afternoon period becomes congested with traffic attempting to turn right from the Golden Highway often delayed.
At the last state election the Coalition promised funding to upgrade the highway and the intersection.
Work is under way to prepare the concept design and environmental assessment for the upgrade which are expected to be displayed for community comment in mid-2017.
Geotechnical investigations will be carried out from Monday to help prepare the concept design and environment assessment.
Information from these investigations will help plan the future highway upgrade.
Some of the investigations will be carried out next to the highway, with lane and shoulder closures in place for the safety of workers and motorists.
Work will be carried out between 9.30am and 2.30pm from Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 August and between 6am and 6pm on Saturday 6 and Saturday August 13.
Reduced speed limits and traffic control will be in place during work hours.
Roads and Maritime will continue to liaise with property owners throughout the investigations.
Motorists are thanked for their patience while work is carried out.
For the latest traffic information visit www.livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic App or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.
