$9.6 million highway safety project complete

04th Nov 2025

Works to improve the safety and traffic flow on the New England Highway between Guyra and Armidale are now complete with the upgrade works about nine kilometres north of Armidale now complete.
The $9.6 million project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government Road Safety Program, has delivered a range of safety and capacity enhancements designed to reduce crash risks and improve travel conditions.
The southbound overtaking lanes have been extended by about 350 metres, the highway widened to provide two 3.5-metre travel lanes, and wide centre lines installed to increase the distance between oncoming vehicles. Both northbound and southbound road shoulders were widened to 3.5 metres, improving safety for all road users.
Additional work included drainage extensions and improvements, strengthening and resealing of the existing pavement, new line markings and raised road markers, installation of roadside safety barriers, and widening of a bridge culvert north of O’Connells Road. A box culvert near Blanch Road was extended, concrete kerb and guttering were added along the southbound lane, and roadside signage was maintained and upgraded.
Weather impacts in March delayed some works, particularly at the Puddledock Road intersection, where heavy rainfall and increased traffic volumes from Pacific Highway diversions caused surface damage. That upgrade is now complete, with a new dedicated right-turn lane providing safer and more efficient access to Puddledock Road.
While the road is open to traffic, motorists are advised that a final seal will be applied in coming months to ensure long-term durability. This delay allows the pavement to settle and ensures a stronger, smoother surface once completed.
NSW Government Spokesperson for the Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose MLC praised the rapid completion of the project.
“Many people saw the state of the highway near Puddledock Road after the severe weather event in March,” he said.
“It’s a credit to the engineers and road workers that this was completed so quickly. The 4,000 motorists, including 650 heavy vehicle operators, who use this route daily are now safer as a result.”

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$9.6 million highway safety project complete

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