The NRMA has released figures that indicate just 10 per cent of the Great Western Highway meets the internationally recognised minimum standard for highway safety.
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Local NRMA Motoring and Services director David Bentham said according to the latest Australian Road Safety Assessment Program, 52 per cent of the road is rated one star, and 34 per cent is rated two stars. He said just eight per cent is rated three stars – the internationally recognised minimum standard for safety.
Mr Bentham said the NRMA acknowledges the Australian and NSW governments’ continued investment in the Great Western Highway, however, more is needed to make the road safer.
State Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the figures are quite timely and show that for a national highway there has not been enough federal investment in this road over the years.
Mr Toole said the Great Western Highway is around 80 per cent federally funded and 20 per cent state funded.
“Usually national highways are 80 per cent funded by the federal government,” he said.
“Clearly the federal government has neglected its investment in the Great Western Highway.
“From a state and federal position Labor has left an incredible legacy of infrastructure backlog. We are all suffering today from a lack of spending.”
He added that it will take a combined commitment to upgrade the highway in a manner that ensures it is a safer road for those using it, especially those travelling to and from the Central West.
Graeme Burke of Burke’s Transport said he thinks the Great Western Highway is a difficult road to drive in a semi-trailer, but he certainly wouldn’t say it’s dangerous.
He listed the constant roadworks, road surface, the continual stopping and starting and changes in the speed limit as problems.
“It’s a bloody goat track,” he said.
“They’ve spent millions on it now. The work they have done is good work but the surface between Bathurst and Lithgow, for instance, is atrocious.”
Mr Burke said the Bells Line of Road, however, is dangerous and his drivers never use it unless there is a major problem on the Great Western Highway.
Mr Bentham said the highway needs protected turning lanes and roadside barriers.
