A series of road resurfacing projects now under way across Lambton, Waratah and Wallsend will deliver safer journeys in Newcastle and support around 30 local jobs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this $1.342 million package of work is jointly funded under the more than $400 million Road Safety Program allocation announced in March by the Australian and New South Wales Governments.
"The Australian Government has committed up to $300 million and the NSW Government a further $108.9 million to fund state-wide upgrades under the first tranche of the program," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"This project involves resurfacing Turton Road at six locations and Newcastle Road at one location to improve the skid resistance of the road surface and help reduce the risk of crashes, particularly during wet weather."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Acting Minister for Transport and Roads Paul Toole said work on the month-long project began on Sunday.
"This is about delivering safer journeys on some of Newcastle's busiest roads," Mr Toole said.
"The program is delivering projects that will help prevent the loss of more than 538 lives and serious injuries on our roads - that's the difference between 538 people making it home safely to their families at the end of the day."
Senator for New South Wales Hollie Hughes welcomed the project's focus on safety, because one death on our roads is one too many.
"The safety benefits expected following these works will have a positive impact for years to come," Senator Hughes said.
"This is a great local example of the Australian Government's $2 billion Road Safety Program delivering the fast roll-out of lifesaving road safety treatments and improving protection for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians."
Transport for NSW has engaged City of Newcastle to carry out the work between 7pm and 5am Sunday to Thursday nights, and should be completed in four weeks, weather permitting.
Motorists should follow the directions of traffic control and signs, including reduced speed limits.
