THE NSW Government has provided $1.5 million to continue planning the intersection upgrade of the New England and Golden highways at Belford.
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Upper Hunter MP George Souris said options being considered aimed to improve traffic flow and safety for the more than 22,000 motorists travelling daily on the highway between Belford and the Golden Highway.
“Roads and Maritime Services is upgrading the New England Highway to provide two lanes in each direction between Belford and the Golden Highway and improve this major intersection,” he said.
“Options under investigation include an overbridge from the Golden Highway to the New England Highway to carry eastbound traffic toward Branxton.
“The improvements focus on reducing crash risk for motorists turning between the Golden and New England highways after 16 crashes within 50 metres of the intersection between 2009 and 2013.
“This section of the New England Highway is the final section between Newcastle and the Golden Highway intersection to be upgraded to four lanes.
“The NSW Government is providing $1.5 million this year to carry out planning for the project and consider options for further development.”
Mr Souris said planning for this work followed the recent completion of other improvements in the area.
“In March this year, Roads and Maritime Services completed a $5 million upgrade of the New England Highway between Belford and the Golden Highway to improve traffic flow and safety before the opening of the Hunter Expressway,” he said.
“The work involved widening the highway and changing the layout of the lanes to improve traffic flow beyond the western end of the $1.7 billion Hunter Expressway.
“Safety improvements were also carried out at the Golden Highway intersection including line-marking and installation of wire rope barriers and additional signs.
“This recently completed work and further improvements in development aim to improve safety and traffic flow for motorists in the region.”