Cessnock City Council, New South Wales, is looking at road safety through its sustainability filter while helping residents arrive safely at their destination.
Works on Sandy Creek Road, from Quorrobolong to Mt Vincent, will be funded under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.
A total of $343,500 will be spent on widening the road to achieve a 2.5m shoulder, installing W-beam guardrails with motorcycle under run protection, installing chevron alignment markers on curves, line marking with reflective raised pavement markers and a vehicle activated warning sign.
Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent welcomed the start of works on a part of the road that has a history of motorcycle related crashes.
“The vehicle activated warning sign is now installed and will improve the safety of people approaching that particular right hand curve.
“It will warn of the presence of the curve improving safety for drivers and for motorcycle riders who travel along the popular route.
“At rest the sign face is blank. It uses a radar to detect approaching vehicles which causes the LEDs to flash ‘SLOW DOWN’ and illuminates a right arrow in a diamond.
“This is the first sign of this type to be installed in the Cessnock Local Government Area and we’re extremely pleased we’ve been able to fund its installation using Black Spot funding.”
Federal Member for the Hunter, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said, “Road safety is an important issue and something that all levels of government should always be looking to improve. This funding will go a long way to making sure that those who travel on Sandy Creek Road can do so safely, which is excellent news for not only the people of this part of the Hunter, but also tourists who visit regularly.”
The project is expected to be completed by the end of July 2021.