Safer passage through Medlow Bath, NSW ahead of full highway upgrade

Motorists are enjoying improved journeys on the Great Western Highway this long weekend, with safety upgrades through Medlow Bath at Bellevue Crescent and Foy Avenue now complete.
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the community-driven safety upgrades were funded through the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program.

“The Federal Government is committed to delivering road safety improvements across the nation which make a significant difference to the lives of locals in small communities such as Medlow Bath,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. 

“Our $110 billion infrastructure pipeline is not only delivering the road safety outcomes for Australians, but it remains a key pillar of our economic recovery, securing jobs and livelihoods into the future.”  
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the need for these upgrades had emerged from the consultation process for the Great Western Highway Upgrade as the community asked for a safer highway while the major upgrade plans are progressed.

“The community has made it very clear that they want a safer highway through Medlow Bath – and we are working to deliver on that as soon as possible,” Mr Toole said.

“That’s why we have now widened the highway at Bellevue Crescent and Foy Avenue while designs are refined for the full duplication of the highway through Medlow Bath which will start in 2022.

“These safety upgrades are making a real difference, ensuring locals and visitors can continue to come and go from Medlow Bath safely, even during the busiest weekends of the year.” 

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the upgrades to the highway would improve safety for commuters.
    
“We are focussed on delivering critical improvements and upgrades to roads across New South Wales and the country, to help drive down the number of deaths and injuries on roads and ensure Australians can get home to their loved ones quickly and safely,” Minister Fletcher said.

Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, and Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee welcomed the completion of the Medlow bath safety upgrades.

“The issue of road safety on the Great Western Highway is very close to the hearts of the people of the Central West. Our friends and family members are on that road every single day,” Mr Gee said.

“I think that the communities of our region can take great comfort in knowing that these upgrades, funded through the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program, are now complete, with work on the major project commencing next year. 

“The $2.03 billion that the Australian Government delivered for the Great Western Highway in the recent budget is going to be a great boon for decentralisation and will help to drive jobs, growth and prosperity across our region.”
    
More information on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow is available at: nswroads.work/greatwesternhighway.