Coalition to make $5 million Dunns Road safety upgrade a reality

Motorists can expect significant safety improvements to Dunns Road under a re-elected Coalition Government, following a $2.5 million commitment from The Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

Mr McCormack made the announcement on-site today alongside visiting Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester.

He said the upgrade would be carried out by a re-elected Coalition Government who would partner with Wagga Wagga City Council to carry out the works.

“Dunns Road is a critical access point between the Olympic Highway and Wagga Wagga’s outer suburbs along Holbrook Road,” Mr McCormack said.

“We all know it’s a great safety concern and is in desperate need of upgrade, with trucks, buses and other vehicles using it daily.

“This is a message I have heard clearly and taken with me to Canberra.

“I am delighted The Nationals and I will be able to deliver funding which will complement an investment by Wagga Wagga City Council and put to an end the safety concernsof locals.

“This is another example of what can happen when proactive regional communities work together with The Nationals in Government to deliver the investment and funding our communities deserve.”

Mr Chester said the Coalition was committed to making regional roads safer.

“Despite the significant progress over several decades in reducing fatalities the annual economic cost of road crashes is still estimated at $27 billion per year,” Mr Chester said.

“That’s why the Coalition has provided record funding for the Roads to Recovery and Black Spot programmes because by building better roads we can change lives and save lives.

“There were more than 1250 road deaths in Australia in the 12 months to March 2016. This is far too many and we must continue the campaign to make our roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

Mr McCormack and Mr Chester also announced $3.35 million in heavy vehicle safety upgrades for the Riverina and inspected the $55 million Kapooka Bridge jointly funded by the Coalition and New South Wales Government.

Cristy Houghton