While the state and federal governments argue the toss over funding for the completion of the Pacific Highway duplication, a new project will at least see two of the worst traffic black spots in the Tweed eliminated.
Federal transport minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday the feds will provide $405,740 to complete them.
The projects are:
- Intersection of Frances Street and Beryl Street at Tweed Heads: $220,000 to install a roundabout; and
- Federal Drive, South of Blackbean Lane, at Eureka: $185,740 to upgrade super-elevation, install a skid resistant seal over a 200m length, curve and speed advisory signs and mark the barrier line.
Both projects were recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2012/13).
Richmond MP Justine Elliot said since 2007, the federal government has allocated more than $9 million to fix 31 black spots across the Richmond electorate.
‘This investment is helping to make our local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, with twenty of these projects already completed,’ said Justine.
‘And the good thing about our Black Spot program is that anyone can suggest an intersection or section of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.’
Nomination forms can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au.
Mr Albanese said an independent evaluation of the program found it prevented at least 32 fatalities and more than 1,500 serious injuries in its first three years, underscoring its effectiveness at reducing fatal car accidents.
