Problem

Traffic volumes on the New South Wales (NSW) road network increased by 14% from 2008 to 2017. Freight traffic volumes are expected to nearly double from 2011 to 2031.

In 2017, crashes in NSW accounted for 31% of the Australian road toll. Further, 41% of all Australian road fatalities involving a heavy vehicle occurred in NSW.

NSW is one of only two jurisdictions to experience an increase in fatalities per vehicle kilometre travelled between 2016 and 2017.

Road safety improvements can enable freight to move more effectively on the NSW regional road network and contribute to national economic performance. Without these improvements, the increase in road freight traffic could lead to increases in road crashes. While behavioural factors have a major influence on road safety, infrastructure improvements are important to achieving a safer road environment.

Proposed initiative

This initiative forms part of the national High Priority Initiative for Regional road network safety improvements. It involves the introduction of modern road safety infrastructure technology and features, to improve road safety at high-risk locations.

Each year in NSW, over two-thirds of all fatalities occur on country roads.

In NSW, these locations have been identified, assessed and prioritised by the NSW Government based on road crash data and the impact of infrastructure deficiencies. Potential improvements include the introduction of new safety barriers, wide centre lines, and/or audio tactile line marking to attain a safe road cross section.

Next steps

Proponent to identify initiatives and develop options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).