Three local roads will soon see safety upgrades following a successful grant application by The Hills Council from the Australian Government’s ‘Black Spot Program’. “Increasing safety on our rural roads is a priority to us and we would like to thank the NSW Government for helping us fast track these vital safety measures,” Hills Shire Mayor Peter Gangemi said.
An allocation of $75,000 will be made to the first of these Black Spot locations at the intersection of Barclay Road and Mill Drive, North Rocks. There have been four injury crashes at or near this intersection between July 2015 and June 2020. “The proposed upgrade intends to replace the current ‘Give Way’ signage on Mill Drive to a channelised right turn installation on Barclay Road,” he said.
“This will improve safety for vehicles turning right into Mill Drive from Barclay Road reducing the current potential for rear end crashes at this intersection.”
Glenhaven Road, Glenhaven will receive $380,000 after five reported crashes between July 2015 and June 2020. The upgrade will include the installation of guideposts, lighting, signage, roadside barriers, curve alignment markers and an audio and tactile centreline.
As well, close to $220,000 will go towards installing vehicle activated signs, guideposts, roadside barriers and curve alignment markers along Blue Gum Road, Kenthurst. There have been three reported serious injury crashes and one moderate injury crash along this 2.5km single-lane rural road between July 2015 and June 2020, including a head on crash.
“Vehicle activated warning signs will alert motorists to slow down and adhere to speed limits when driving along Blue Gum Road,” Mayor Gangemi said.
The Hills Shire Council is awaiting potential further grant funding from the State Government’s ‘Safer Local Roads Program’ for other identified locations across The Hills including Pitt Town Road in Kenthurst/ Maraylya, Kenthurst Road in Kenthurst, Halcrows Road in Glenorie and Cliftonville Road in Maroota/South Maroota.
