Safety improvements along the Pacific Highway at Crangan Bay have been completed, removing a notorious black spot which in recent years has been the scene of four crashes resulting in serious injuries.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said Federal money for the project came from the Gillard Labor Government’s Black Spot Program and is part of its ongoing efforts to build a better, safer and fully duplicated Pacific Highway.
“The Black Spot Program has a proven track record of saving lives with an evaluation showing that it prevented at least 32 fatalities and more than 1,500 serious injuries in its first three years,” said Mr Albanese.
“That’s why we’ve doubled its budget since being elected in late 2007, with work on a further 95 notorious NSW black spots expected to start over the coming twelve months.
“In partnership with the NSW Government, we’re tackling the appalling human, social and economic cost of car accidents by building safer roads.”
The Crangan Bay project was funded by both the Federal ($450,000) and NSW ($300,000) governments.
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay said completion of the project will be welcomed by the thousands of motorists which use this stretch of highway each day.
“Recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts, the project involved resurfacing the Pacific Highway in both directions between Montefiore Street and the Quarry entrance, a measure which will help prevent motorists from losing control of their vehicles, particularly during wet weather,” said Mr Gay.
“A median wire rope safety barrier has also been installed to better, more clearly separate oncoming traffic so as to reduce the chances of motorists crossing onto the wrong side of the road.
“I thank the local community for their patience as this important work was being carried out by the RTA.”