Safety on Picton Road has been improved with two new heavy vehicle acceleration lanes now open to traffic.
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The Australian and NSW Governments provided $4.56 million to build the lanes, which will allow heavy vehicles to safely re-enter Picton Road from the rest areas.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government and the state government each contributed $2.28 million to the project.
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the said the state government invested an additional $859,000 for safety improvement work on the road.
“We have delivered safety improvement works including widening the road shoulders and installing a median safety barrier along a 500-metre length of Picton Road between the two rest areas,” Mrs Pavey said.
Traffic restrictions have now been removed and the 100 km/h speed limit reinstated on that section of road. The westbound rest area has been reopened to motorists and has also had a facelift, with a new picnic table seating and shelter.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said access to the rest areas would be improved, enabling heavy vehicles to safely merge back onto Picton Road at the posted speed limit.
“This means travel times and freight efficiency will also be improved for the more than 3,000 heavy vehicles, including around 470 B-Doubles that use Picton Road each day,” he said.
NSW Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell said one kilometre of fauna fencing was also installed on each side of the road to direct koalas and other wildlife to safer crossing points.
“Wildlife protection will be further improved on this section of Picton Road with a fauna underpass expected to be built by late this year,” he said.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
