POPULAR WORDS

October 15, 2009

The construction of a new rail overpass at Molong on the Mitchell Highway will improve safety for truck drivers.

The $5.6 million overpass will feature wider lanes and shoulders and a dedicated left turn lane at the Wellington Street intersection.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, who launched the project with New South Wales Transport Minister David Campbell yesterday, says the old bridge is too narrow.

“The new overpass will replace the existing bridge which was built in 1938 and is far too narrow and inadequate for today’s larger, heavier trucks,” he says.

Campbell said plans for the project were developed in consultation with residents, businesses, road users and other stakeholders.

“As well as delivering better driving conditions for motorists and truckies, this project will also improve safety for pedestrians thanks to the provision of a pedestrian refuge in the Highway’s median strip near the Wellington Street intersection,” he says.

Lighting along the Highway and at the pedestrian refuge will also be upgraded.

The roadwork and overpass construction will be carried out by the Roads and Traffic Authority, with Cabonne Council having responsibility for relocating utilities such as storm water drains.

The new overpass is expected to open to traffic in February next year.