Council secures $7 million for road safety improvements

08 May 2020

Improvements focus on route length projects

Council has secured more than $7 million in grant funding from state and federal road safety programs to improve a number of Tweed roads, particular roads popular with motorbike riders.

Topping the funding was $2 million from the Federal Government’s Blackspot Programme over the next two financial years to evaluate safety on Numinbah Road and make improvements.

That programme also funded $2.55 million for upgrades on Tweed Valley Way between Stokers Road and Wooyung Road. This includes the installation of audible line markings, vehicle activated speed advisory signs, skid resistant seals and guardrail with motorcycle protection barriers.

As well, on Tweed Valley Way at the intersection of Riverside Drive, Tumbulgum, a separated left-turn deceleration lane will be installed as well as flexible roadside barriers for $614,000.

Audio-tactile lines and vehicle activated speed advisory signs will go in on Clothiers Creek Road between the Pacific Motorway and Cabarita at a cost of $176,000.

The final Blackspot Programme funded is on Kennedy Drive at the intersection of Norman Street at Tweed Heads, where dedicated right-turn lanes will be constructed into Norman Street and the boat ramp. This project also will see upgrades to improve pedestrian safety in the vicinity of Scales Seafood. This project received $786,000 in funding.

Under the NSW Safer Roads program, safety investigations and improvements will be undertaken on Limpinwood / Zara Road for $796,000. On Kyogle Road, near Glenock Road, an overtaking lane will be reduced in length and guardrail installed at a cost of $140,000.

“We identified our grant application programs after reviewing crash data and feedback from the community,” Road Safety Officer Alana Brooks said.

“This year, we targeted funding to treat road lengths rather than just specific sites. By upgrading a road length, the readability of the road will be improved, providing consistency and predictability for road users.”

-ends-