ORANGE has secured almost $2 million in funding to fix black spots across the city, including two new roundabouts, as part of the federal government’s Black Spot Program.
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Half of the 21 black spots in Calare identified for improvement in the latest round of funding are in Orange, with 11 streets, intersections and roads in need of urgent upgrades.
NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel chair and member for Calare John Cobb said he could not recall any council receiving the equivalent funding for projects in any one round, as Orange has secured this year.
“I wrote to every single member of Parliament in this state letting them know that funding was available, so when you look at it Orange has done very well. I can’t every recall this much money going to one council,” he said.
Mr Cobb said the funding was allocated using statistics of the number of serious injuries or deaths on a particular road or intersection.
Orange City Council traffic committee chair, councillor Russell Turner said the high number of projects was not reflective of the poor habits of Orange drivers, but instead was an indication of growth in the city.
“We need these upgrades and while some might say we are gridlocked in certain areas, it is more to do with the fact our city continues to grow and we have more vehicles,” he said..
“There’s no denying it, Orange is a busy city attracting more and more people to live here and visitors every week.
“An indication of just how busy this city is can be found when you drive in from Bathurst Road and out west, the other side of Orange. There are 14 sets of traffic lights.”
The funding will be used for projects including the installation of two more roundabouts, upgrading of surfaces and barriers, improving sight lines at intersections and installing or changing the position of stop or give-way signs and accompanying roadworks.
“I think the two new roundabouts at the corner of March Street and Lords Place and the intersection of Moulder and Woodward Streets are very much needed,” Cr Turner said.
Cabonne and Lithgow local government areas received funding for four projects each, while Bathurst received funding to carry out work on two identified black spot areas.
“This investment is helping to make our local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr Cobb said.
“We are committed to reducing crashes on our roads. Accidents take a huge toll on families, our communities and the economy.”
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
