The largest investment in a generation into the Bells Line of Road has reached the halfway mark, with the official opening of a new overtaking lane for westbound motorists at Berambing.
Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay said the newest overtaking lane is part of the NSW Government’s $48 million Bells Line of Road corridor improvement program, which aims to deliver safety upgrades between Kurrajong Heights and Lithgow.
“The completion of a third new overtaking lane along the Bells Line of Road shows the NSW Government isn’t mucking around in delivering this much needed upgrade,” Mr Gay said.
“With the opening today of the new 700 metre long overtaking lane just past Berambing Crest, five projects have now been completed.”
“Bells Line of Road is used by more than 3,000 vehicles a day; it is a critical connection between Central West NSW and Sydney’s western suburbs and is the main alternative route to the Great Western Highway.”
“As a result of the work already completed truck drivers are already able to transport their produce from the Central West to Sydney more efficiently than ever before.”
Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said additional overtaking lanes meant it is now safer and easier for motorists to get to their destinations sooner.
“Work on the overtaking lane started in November and was due for completion by August, however it has been delivered a month early,” Mr Perrorttet said.
“This is a great outcome for all road users as there is nothing worse than been stuck behind a heavy vehicle and not being able to overtake it.”
“Other projects already delivered under the program include a 700-metre long westbound overtaking lane at Kurrajong Heights and a 900 metre long eastbound at Bilpin -along with completed safety improvement work and road widening at two sites east of Bell.”
The Bells Line of Road upgrade is on track to be completed next year.