One of Cooma's busiest intersections will be getting a vital upgrade to improve safety for all road users in this region of New South Wales.
The works are being delivered under the Safer Roads Program where the Australian Government is investing $140 million.
“Improving safety on our roads is critically important – even one death or serious injury on our roads is one too many.
“The Australian Government is serious about driving down death and serious injury on our roads and remains committed to achieving Vision Zero – zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
The Australian and State Governments will be investing approximately $398 million on projects that will help improve road safety across regional New South Wales, delivered under the Safer Roads Program.
The projects will include the Monaro Highway and Baron Street intersection upgrade in Cooma. Scope of works will include a new roundabout, additional street lighting as well as drainage improvements.
According to Deputy Premier and State Member for Monaro John Barilaro, the new roundabout will help improve safety for local motorists who use the intersection daily.
“We know small projects like these can make a big difference to making sure people make it home safely at the end of the day.
“Stage 1 of works to upgrade the footpath and street corners, as well as relocate utilities, will start on Monday, before stage 2 works to build the roundabout, repair and resurface the road, build new concrete islands, install new signage, drainage work and street lighting follow,” Mr Barilaro said.
The Safer Roads Program is expected to create about 950 direct or indirect jobs over the life of the projects involved.
In addition to delivering vital safety upgrades, the Program will also provide a much-needed boost to regional economies.
“This is a win for both the local industry and the community and it's great we're able to roll out life-saving measures like these to help achieve Vision Zero,” Senator for NSW Perin Davey said.
Works on the first stage have already commenced and works on Stage 2 will commence in late September of this year.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Roads and Infrastructure Australia; Australian Government – Targeted Road Safety Works