Two dangerous sections of road in Gunning and Blakney Creek will receive major safety upgrades under the Coalition Government’s 2018-19 Black Spot Program.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said $448,330 has been allocated for Gundaroo Road (6.8km to 8.9km south of Hume Highway) at Gunning and $124,423 for Rye Park Road (1.7km west of Cooks Hill Road) at Blakney Creek.

“Keeping people safe on our roads is absolutely paramount and this funding will go a long way towards minimising the risk of accidents at these two locations,” Mr Taylor said.

Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor Cr Brian McCormack OAM welcomed the funding announcement.

“On behalf of Council and the community I would like to thank the Federal Government and the Member for Hume for this investment in our road network,” Cr McCormack said.

“These upgrades will assist us in making these roads safer for all road users, including those who drive heavy vehicles.”

Upper Lachlan Shire Council will be managing the upgrades which are expected to be completed by the end of the year (weather permitting).

The Coalition Government has extended the Black Spot Program, providing $60 million per year from 2021-22 onwards, building on the current $684.5m from 2013-14 to 2020-21.

“On average, approximately half the total funding under the Program is allocated to projects in regional areas like Gunning and Blakney Creek,” Mr Taylor said.

“It must be remembered two-thirds of road deaths occur in regional and remote areas.

“None of these projects would be delivered without the community’s vital input, and I’d encourage people to nominate projects for future funding rounds.”

For more information, or to make a nomination, visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots/