One of New South Wales’ most historic roads is set to receive $100 million in safety improvements.
Bells Line of Road has seen a steady increase in traffic, but in recent years it’s also been heavily impacted by extreme weather from floods and fires.
Following the Australian Government’s 2023 announcement that it would fund safety upgrades to this key route through the Blue Mountains, civil engineering specialist firm Civil Consulting and Highway Design (CCHD) Pty Ltd has won the tender to investigate and identify strategic upgrade options, which will support future works.
A range of improvements are being considered including new overtaking lanes, realigning curves, installing safety barriers and intersection upgrades.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said, “The Bells Line of Road is an important connection for motorists, and we are grateful to the Australian Government for their commitment and support to improving resilience and safety in the Blue Mountains.
“The road is very vulnerable to closures from bushfires and landslips, which result in delays for motorists and makes it difficult to manage traffic during incidents.
“It also has a crash rate higher than other similar NSW roads.
“Transport for NSW will engage with local councils and other targeted stakeholders to make sure that options put forward align with council and community aspirations.
“This will help ensure that upgrades will benefit both local traffic, and the commuters, tourists and freight operators who travel along it every day.
“There has been a substantial planning and engagement on the corridor in recent years, and Transport for NSW will draw on this knowledge – as well as valuable input from local experts – in identifying upgrade options.”