Safety on the busy Picton Road has been improved with two new heavy vehicle acceleration lanes now open to traffic.
It also means improved travel times and freight efficiency for more than 3,000 heavy vehicles – including around 470 B-Doubles – that use Picton Road each day.
After the acceleration lanes were officially opened late last week the traffic restrictions in place were removed and the 100 km/h speed limit reinstated.
The westbound rest area has also been reopened to motorists after receiving a facelift, including new picnic table seating and shelter.
As part of the work one kilometre of fauna fencing was also installed on each side of the road to direct koalas and other wildlife to safer crossing points.
Wildlife protection will be further improved on Picton Road with a fauna underpass expected to be built by late this year.
The Australian Government contributed $2.28 million to the project through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, with the NSW Government contributing $2.28 million.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The acceleration lanes will allow heavy vehicles to safely re-enter Picton Road from the rest areas,” said federal infrastructure, transport and regional development minister Michael McCormack.[/social_quote]
“We have delivered safety improvement works including widening the road shoulders and installing a median safety barrier along a 500-metre length of Picton Road between the two rest areas, that will ensure a safer journey for road users,” said NSW roads, maritime and freight minister Melinda Pavey.
Local MPs Jai Rowell (Wollondilly) and Angus Taylor (Hume) also attended the official opening.
