Audio tactile lane markings (ALTM), also known as rumble strips, have now been installed on over 100km of New South Wales’ mid-western highway between Bathurst and Cowra.
Rumble strips are proven to improve road safety according to Transport for NSW regional director west Alistair Lunn, who says the addition of the markings is effective in reducing crash frequency by 15 to 25 per cent.
The Bathurst to Cowra project is part of the NSW government’s $46 million package to install ATLM on key regional and rural routes over a three-year stretch to 2026.
Lunn believes the addition of the rumble strips will help improve the safety of all long-haul road users.
“The Mid-Western Highway is used by thousands of motorists each day including freight operators and travellers who are often on long trips,” Lunn says.
“If their vehicle leaves its lane for any reason such as fatigue, distraction or inattention, the rumble strips will cause a vibration effect to alert the driver to correct their path and avoid a serious accident.
“Our crews have been working along this corridor since 15 April installing the ATLM along the edge and centre lines and have now completed the task, so there’s 147 kilometres of rumble strips between Bathurst and Cowra.
“Safety is our number one priority and installing ATLM along some of our key regional and rural routes is a proven, effective measure we can apply to increase the likelihood that all of our road users get home safely.”