Overtaken with glee
THE absence of overtaking lanes between Dubbo and Narromine has caused great angst amongst motorists who travel that route daily, with plenty of double lines preventing overtaking on many stretches over the 34 kilometres of busy road.
So locals and travellers alike were glad to see that work has started on the first of three new overtaking lanes and safety upgrades on the Mitchell Highway as part of a $32 million investment.
The first overtaking lane is being built about 17km west of Dubbo at Lagoon Creek and Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders says the upgrades will create safer and more timely travel for the local community and passing freight, with a large number of residents commuting to work daily between Narromine and Dubbo.
“The new overtaking lane will be about 1.5 kilometres long, with the westbound lane widened to provide a new 3.5-metre lane for motorists to
pass slower traffic, as well as a 2-metre shoulder and a 0.5-metre verge,” Mr Saunders said.
“Investigation work – including survey, heritage and utility inspection – has already been carried out. Clearing and drainage installation is now underway before work begins on actually building the lane.”
The other two overtaking lanes will be at Mylangra and Tantitha and planning is well underway, along with proposed other safety improvements including the widening of 11 kilometres of highway, installing rumble strips and safety barriers, and improving drainage and property accesses.
Narromine mayor Craig Davies said he was over the moon.
“It’s been one of the most talked about projects for this Narromine area, and I know every single person who uses the highway will be excited to see things getting underway."