A known crash hotspot at the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way at Valla Beach is undergoing a major road safety upgrade, with a new roundabout opening to traffic for the first time.
A crew of 15 local workers and 30 contractors hustled throughout December and early January to complete the upgrade on schedule, ensuring the intersection was safely reopened to motorists and freight operators.
The upgrade addresses a site of repeated near misses, serious crashes and a tragic loss of life.
Community members raised concerns and called for action, and the NSW Government has responded with a long-term safety solution.
“For too long, this site was the scene of serious crashes and near misses. The community rightly demanded better – and we have been able to deliver a permanent fix,” minister for roads Jenny Aitchison says.
“I’ve visited this intersection time and again since because it matters to the community, and it matters to us.”
The $1.5 million project, funded through the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program, reflects the Government’s commitment to making road safety a top priority, particularly on regional roads where the consequences of crashes are often more severe.
The roundabout builds on earlier safety improvements already delivered at the site, including a permanent reduction of the speed limit to 60 km/h, improved line marking, new safety barriers, temporary pavement markers and vehicle-activated warning signs.
The final design was informed by community feedback and expert advice from the NSW Centre for Road Safety, striking the right balance between safety, access and traffic movement through the intersection, which includes blind hills and challenging terrain.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and we are determined to do everything we can do reduce deaths and trauma on our roads,” Aitchison says.
“We have invested at this site to reduce near misses and save lives, but infrastructure can only go so far. We need motorists to slow down and do their part.”
Following a year where more than 350 people lost their lives on NSW roads, the NSW Government is continuing to invest in targeted infrastructure upgrades to reduce near misses and prevent fatalities.