A long-running project to deliver safety upgrades along a 3.9-kilometre section of the Great Western Highway at Kirkconnell, east of Bathurst, is now complete.
The Australian and NSW governments have invested close to $30 million on the upgrades along this key regional route.
Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies said work on the first phase of the $29.8 million jointly funded safety improvements started in February 2023 and included improved road shoulders and lane widths, and a dedicated right-turn bay for motorists turning from the Great Western Highway into McManus Road.
Crews also carried out tree clearing along the side of the highway to limit the prevalence of black ice during the colder months.
The second phase of work started in January this year to finalise the upgrade with a new asphalt road surface, drainage and kerb upgrade, and new signage, safety barrier and line-marking.
“We acknowledge this has been at times a frustrating project for road users but the work is now complete and motorists have welcomed the return to a 100 km/h speed limit along this section of Great Western Highway,” Davies said.
“In recent weeks crews have completed the finishing touches to this work, including raised pavement markers, final sealing, signage, verge sealing works and table drain construction.
“The Great Western Highway is the major regional route for motorists heading to the Blue Mountains or Sydney from the Central West, and vice versa, and this work will improve the safety for everyone as they set off on those journeys.”
The work at Kirkconnell follows the upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Kelso and Raglan that was completed in late 2023.
It also ties in with an upcoming project to deliver safety upgrades at Lawsons Creek, near Range Road, scheduled to start in early 2026.