Rural Road Safety Month – Fatigue
Road safety starts with you. Check how tired you are before you drive, recognise the early warning signs, and know what to do to avoid driving tired.
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/fatigue
Rural Road Safety Month – Speeding
Speeding is a factor in nearly 50% of all fatalities on country roads. Stay under the speed limit, drive to the conditions and slow down at curves.
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/speeding
FREE online workshop for parents and supervisors of learner drivers.
FREE online workshop for parents and supervisors of learner drivers.
Wednesday 18 September 2024 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Register: https://www.trybooking.com/CSYWP
Lower speed limits in Wentworth town centre to boost pedestrian safety
The speed limit on the Silver City Highway and six local roads in the Wentworth town centre will be reduced to create a safer environment for pedestrians and motorists.
Transport for NSW conducted a review of a 650-metre section of the Silver City Highway where it passes through Wentworth CBD – along with Darling, Helena, Sandwych, Adams, Wharf and Adelaide streets – to determine if a high pedestrian activity area should be established.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said Wentworth Shire Council had requested the review which was carried out in accordance with state speed zoning standards, with a particular emphasis on pedestrian access, safety and community amenity.
“The Silver City Highway is an important western freight route linking Broken Hill, Mildura and beyond, while Wentworth sits on a tourist route as one of the key locations to access the Mungo National Park and other destinations in far west NSW,” Mr Lunn said.
“The highway through Wentworth attracts a lot of traffic, including many heavy vehicles, and is also a busy pedestrian area right in the centre of town.
“The review found the introduction of a high pedestrian activity area with a 40 km/h speed limit for all vehicles would boost safety for all road users and pedestrians in the area. The speed on the highway section of the review area will see a 20 km/h reduction from the existing 60 km/h limit.
“The high pedestrian area will also be expanded to include six local roads – Darling, Helena, Sandwych, Adams, Wharf and Adelaide streets – to recognise the town centre’s popularity as a gathering place for local residents and tourists.”
The new speed limits will come into effect on Thursday 20 June and new signage will be installed to advise motorists and pedestrians of the changes.
“The speed zone change will have a minimal impact on travel times for motorists passing through Wentworth but will deliver a great safety boost for road users and pedestrians in the area,” Mr Lunn said.
Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area and to have their say on speed limits.
The above Media Release has been sourced from the Transport for NSW website.
Machine Learning Cameras
Transport for NSW is installing a number of machine learning traffic counting and classifying cameras across the state.
The Machine Learning project was developed to understand if machine learning and artificial intelligence could be adapted to extract heavy vehicle information from roadside cameras. This new heavy vehicle traffic data will be used to improve Transport for NSW’s understanding of heavy vehicle and freight movement.
View the fact sheet for further information or visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/machine-learning-cameras
Major Reconstruction and Upgrade of Arumpo Road Set to Begin
Major Reconstruction and Upgrade of Arumpo Road Set to Begin
Wentworth Shire Council in partnership with the Australian Government, is excited to announce the upcoming commencement of the Arumpo Road Reconstruction and Upgrade project. Scheduled to begin in April 2024, this significant undertaking is part of the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program and is funded on an 80/20 basis by the Australian Government and Council.
Details of the Project:
Arumpo Road is slated for a significant 24.52km upgrade, which will extend the existing sealed section of the road. This comprehensive enhancement includes initial survey and design work, followed by extensive earthworks aimed at restoring the road’s base and enhancing its drainage systems. The reconstruction will involve the application of a 150mm sub-base and a 150mm basecourse, which will further extend the all-weather access capabilities of Arumpo Road, although not the entire road will be all-weather accessible.
Additional enhancements will include the application of a two-coat bitumen seal, extending the road’s life and improving its condition. The project also plans to incorporate new line marking, which is crucial for enhancing road safety and aiding navigation for all users.
Funding and Schedule:
Jointly funded by Wentworth Shire Council and the Australian Government, this project exemplifies a collaborative approach to regional infrastructure development. The reconstruction and upgrade work on Arumpo Road is scheduled to commence in April 2024 and is projected to be completed in early 2025.
Anticipated Outcomes:
The upgrade of Arumpo Road is expected to significantly enhance the safety, functionality, and efficiency of this key transport route, offering lasting benefits to the region. The improvements will not only enhance connectivity but also support economic growth and improve the overall travel experience for both residents and visitors.
Commencement of Upgrade for Dareton to Namatjira Sharedway Footpath
Commencement of Upgrade for Dareton to Namatjira Sharedway Footpath
Wentworth Shire Council is pleased to inform the community that the previously announced upgrade of the Dareton to Namatjira Sharedway Footpath is set to commence in March 2024. This vital initiative, joint funded by Council and Transport for NSW (NSW Government) through Get NSW Active 2023/24, is a significant step in enhancing regional infrastructure and community wellbeing.
Project Overview:
The Dareton to Namatjira Sharedway Footpath upgrade, announced in 2023, involves several enhancements. The project features the construction of a new 2.5 metre wide asphalt path from the intersection of Hawdon Street and Tapio Street to Namatjira Avenue, designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The existing concrete path between Pump Station Road and Tallawalla Road will also be widened to better manage increasing foot traffic.
Key safety enhancements include the installation of solar lighting along the sharedway, providing illumination during all hours and improving visibility. Additionally, the placement of bench seating along the path will offer rest points for users, thereby enhancing the overall amenity of the sharedway.
Expected Outcomes and Timeline:
The upgrade is expected to significantly improve the functionality and safety of the sharedway, aligning with Council’s commitment to community infrastructure. The project, set to begin in March 2024, will positively impact the community’s quality of life and safety.
Wentworth Shire Council is committed to the successful and timely execution of this important project. The upgrade demonstrates a strong commitment to regional development and public infrastructure improvement.
Wentworth to Mildura Saturday Bus Service
Route 950 and 951 – Wentworth to Mildura
Travel from Wentworth to Mildura and back every Saturday.
Extra stops have been added and include Mildura CBD, Mildura Base Hospital, sporting grounds and Bunnings via a more direct route.
For more information, visit: transportnsw.info/trip
View or download the time table below:
Pooncarie Road – project update
Wentworth Shire Council recommenced earthworks on the final 26.5 kilometres of unsealed road between Pooncarie and Menindee in July 2023, following 8 months of flood related delays.
The $9.2 million project is jointly funded on a 50:50 basis with the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Growing Local Economies Fund with Office of Regional Development.
The upgrade allows road users to access the road in all weather conditions, removing over 600km of road detours when the road is impacted by wet weather-related road closures.
Bitumen sealing has now been completed, with guide posts, linemarking and signage underway.
The project is due for completion by the end of November.
