Safety on the busy Picton Road has been improved with two new heavy vehicle acceleration lanes now open to traffic.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government had contributed $2.28 million to the project.

“The Australian and NSW Governments have jointly provided $4.56 million to build the acceleration lanes, which will allow heavy vehicles to safely re-enter Picton Road from the rest areas,” Mr McCormack said.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government invested an additional $859,000 for safety improvement work on the road.

“We have delivered safety improvement works including widening the road shoulders and installing a median safety barrier along a 500-metre length of Picton Road between the two rest areas, that will ensure a safer journey for road users,” Mrs Pavey said.

Energy Minister and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said access to the rest areas would be improved, enabling heavy vehicles to safely merge back onto Picton Road at the posted speed limit.

“This means travel times and freight efficiency will also be improved for the more than 3,000 heavy vehicles, including around 470 B-Doubles that use Picton Road each day,” Mr Taylor said.

NSW Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell said one kilometre of fauna fencing was also installed on each side of the road to direct koalas and other wildlife to safer crossing points.

“Wildlife protection will be further improved on this section of Picton Road with a fauna underpass expected to be built by late this year,” Mr Rowell said.

Motorists are thanked for their patience with traffic restrictions now removed and 100 km/h speed limit reinstated.

The westbound rest area has been reopened to motorists and has also had a facelift, with a new picnic table seating and shelter.

The Australian Government contributed $2.28 million to the project through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, with the NSW Government contributing $2.28 million.

More information on the HVSPP is available at http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/heavy_vehicle_safety_and_productivity.aspx