Motorists travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway are being warned to expect a difficult few weeks, with a full overnight closure at Curlewis next week, as well as delays near Quirindi for most of February.
The Kamilaroi Highway will be closed at Curlewis from 6pm on Tuesday 10 February until 4am on Wednesday 11 February to allow the Australian Rail Track Corporation to replace the level crossing and rail line.
During the closure, the highway will be shut to all traffic between the Gap Road and Kamilaroi Highway intersection at Werris Creek and the Oxley and Kamilaroi Highway roundabout east of Gunnedah. All highway through-traffic will be diverted via Tamworth, using the Oxley and New England highways, with detours expected to add up to 50 minutes to travel times.
Local access arrangements will remain in place for surrounding communities. Motorists travelling from Gunnedah to Curlewis will be able to use Wandoobah Road and Prestons Road, with emergency services also using this route. Access to Curlewis from Quirindi will remain available via the Kamilaroi Highway and Seachs Way.
Watermark Road at Curlewis, which is unsealed, will remain open during the closure but will be restricted to essential traffic only.
Motorists are advised to plan their trips carefully, follow the directions of traffic controllers and signage, and allow additional travel time during the overnight closure.
Further south on the Kamilaroi Highway, significant delays will be experienced on the Kamilaroi Highway near Quirindi for most of February due to ongoing road safety works being carried out by Transport for NSW.
Transport for NSW is undertaking essential road shoulder widening works at a number of locations in preparation for the installation of new guardrail, aimed at improving safety for motorists. The works are being carried out across eight sites, stretching from around 10 kilometres south of Quirindi towards Willow Tree and approximately 12 kilometres north of Quirindi heading towards Gunnedah.
Work has already begun and is being carried out between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with completion expected in late February, weather permitting. During this period, traffic control will be in place, speed limits will be reduced to 40 kilometres per hour, and sections of the road shoulder will be closed.
While the highway will remain open through these work zones, motorists should expect delays, particularly during busy periods, and are being urged to drive to conditions and follow all traffic control directions.
Motorists seeking the latest information on closures, delays and detours are encouraged to check Live Traffic NSW, plan ahead, and consider alternative routes where possible as works continue along the Kamilaroi Highway.
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