Upgrades to Lachlan Valley Way begin

Work began on upgrades to two sections of Lachlan Valley Way near Bellevue and Boorowa on Monday.

Work will take place north of Clear Hills Lane on a two kilometre section at Rossi Road between Boorowa and Cowra to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes. Work to be undertaken includes widening the shoulder, installation of safety barriers, clear zone hazard removal and intersection improvements.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said, “There were seven crashes recorded at this location in the six years to 2013 and all involved a vehicle running off the road and crashing into a tree on the side of the road.”

“A large number of mature roadside trees and saplings will be removed and 500 metres of safety barrier will be installed to improve safety for motorists in the event their vehicle runs off the road.”

A second 2.4 kilometre section near Bellevue, ten kilometres north of the Hume Highway intersection is also being upgraded. Work to be undertaken includes repairs to the road, shoulder widening, improvements to drainage and the installation of new signage on a 1 kilometre section of the road.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the section was earmarked for improvement after a review revealed a number of serious crashes had occurred along the winding stretch. “The NSW road toll isn’t simply a number – it is people. We are doing everything in our power to push the number of deaths on NSW roads towards zero,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“In the five years to 2014, 19 crashes were recorded on this section of road, with eight crashes involving injuries to motorists or their passengers. Removing trees will improve visibility on this winding section of the Lachlan Valley Way.” Work will take place between 7am and 6pm weekdays and 8pm and 1pm on Saturdays weather permitting for both projects. Traffic control and reduced speed limits of 40, 60 and 80km/h will be in place.

The Rossi Road section is expected to be completed at the end of June, with the Bellevue section is expected to be completed at the end of July.

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• Wendy Tuckerman