The federal and state governments say they are working hard to get the Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade back on track after it stalled for several years, while a community petition demands they get on with it.
The Tamworth community is now being invited to have their say on the next stage of the $58.4 million upgrade of Goonoo Goonoo Road, a vital road and freight link on the New England Highway.
“Upgrading this busy section of Goonoo Goonoo Road is an example of the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting projects that improve safety and efficiency for both freight and regular commuter traffic,” said Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
“This is about working with the community to get the best outcome for Tamworth.”
“The northern section upgrade will improve safety, support planned growth, and maintain the city’s role as a regional freight hub.”
Originally announced in 2021, the project has been frequently caught up in political manoeuvring and election announcements, and repeatedly delayed. Four years later, the project is still in ‘planning’, with frustrated locals mounting a petition to the NSW Parliament to fast track the project.
Following earlier consultation on the full project scope, Transport for NSW, working in collaboration with Tamworth Regional Council and considering local development activities, has refined the staged delivery options to prioritise the most pressing transport needs.
Two sections of the upgrade were considered – north and south of the proposed Craigends Lane roundabout, which is now being delivered separately.
Delivery of the northern section between Craigends Lane and Calala Lane has been fast-tracked due to its heavier traffic volumes and its importance to local and regional connections to the north and east of Tamworth.
The Federal Government has committed $46.72 million to the project, while the NSW Government contributed $11.68 million.
More than 20,000 motorists use the road daily, making it one of the most heavily used regional routes in NSW and a critical freight link on the New England Highway network.
“We want to make sure the upgrade meets the community’s needs now and into the future, which is why your feedback is so important,” said NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison.
“When complete, this project will remove a major pinch point from the city’s road network, providing easier access for those visiting its entertainment and equestrian precinct.”
The proposed northern upgrade will:
- Replace the Calala Lane roundabout with modern traffic signals
- Provide dedicated and shared turning lanes to improve traffic flow
- Deliver controlled pedestrian crossings with signal phasing on all intersection approaches
- Add separate turning lanes for Goonoo Goonoo Road traffic entering Calala Lane
- Widen the road to two lanes in each direction with a central median
- Build a new eastern footpath from Craigends Lane to Calala Lane
The community is invited to comment on the proposed staged approach and design as planning progresses.
“This major investment ensures the Tamworth region has the crucial freight and transport connections it needs now and well into the future,” said Senator for NSW Tim Ayres.
More information about the project and feedback opportunities is available at nswroads.work/ggroad.
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