Black Spot program funds set to save lives on Armidale roads

Motorists in the Armidale region received a major road safety boost today with the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government announcing it will invest more than $618,000 into two Armidale road projects under the 2019-20 Black Spot Program.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the region will be made safer thanks to the Government’s investment.

“This is vital funding which will save lives on known black spots and deliver better road infrastructure for the people of Armidale,” Mr Joyce said.

The announcement includes $592,274 in funding to upgrade the intersection of Trevenna Road, Elm Avenue and Booloominbah Drive in Armidale. The project will feature installation of a single lane roundabout, including all traffic calming, line marking, lighting and signage.

“This is a notorious intersection near the University of New England which many young motorists negotiate every day travelling to and from classes, so this is welcome funding for the safety of those drivers, ” Mr Joyce said.

A further $26,440 has been allocated for improvements at the intersection of Niagara Street, Donnelly Street and Queen Elizabeth Drive in Armidale. The project includes installation of slow points and raised thresholds at conflict points such as intersections and pedestrian crossings.

“Armidale motorists will be pleased to know that upgrades to notorious black spots like these and others around town such as the roundabout at the junction of Armidale’s Queen Elizabeth Drive and Elm Avenue, which was also funded under this black spot program, are helping to deliver safer travel for all road users.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said New South Wales would receive $16.47 million under the latest round of program funding. 

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is committed to making roads safer in NSW and right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.

“Representing a regional NSW electorate myself, I know first-hand how fatal road crashes affect smaller communities, so I am very pleased to be able to announce today the details of how this round of Black Spot funding will be distributed.

“By specifically targeting road locations with a history of crashes for safety upgrades such as lighting, signage, traffic lights and roundabouts, the Black Spot Program reduces crashes causing injury and death at those sites by around 30 per cent.

“Under the National Road Safety Strategy 2011–2020, the Australian, state and territory governments have committed to reducing the numbers of deaths and serious injuries recorded on the nation’s roads by at least 30 per cent by 2020.

“Fixing the 78 black spots identified in NSW over the next 12 months will play a crucial role in helping us achieve that goal.”

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.

Published on 01 Mar 2019