Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the NSW Government provided $3.3 million to upgrade the intersection to improve safety for motorists and reduce the risk of crashes in the area.

“In the five years to September 2017, there were three crashes within a 50m radius of this intersection,” he said.

“The New England Highway is a major road artery linking the Hunter region with the Queensland border. 

“This is a great opportunity to improve safety for motorists by providing a wider central median between lanes and a new overtaking lane.”

Mr Johnsen said work would include building a northbound overtaking lane on the New England Highway just south of Racecourse Lane.  

A U-turn bay will also be installed on the northern side of Range Road to provide access to the highway for residents living in nearby properties.

“The shoulder will be widened on the eastern side of the highway and line marking changes will be made to clearly show the through lane and existing right turning lane onto Racecourse Road,” Mr Johnsen said.

“To also reduce the risk of severe crashes, 700m of wire rope safety barriers will be installed next to the southbound lanes.”

Work starts on Monday, July 23, and is expected to be completed in October this year, weather permitting. 

Work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays.

For the safety of motorists and workers, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place. 

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. 

For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or phone 132 701.