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2024
12 September 2024
Lower speed limit on Bylong Valley Way to boost safety
Published12 Sep 2024
The speed limit on Bylong Valley Way between Bylong and Kerrabee Arm in the state’s mid-west will be reduced to create a safer environment for all road users.
The new speed limits will come into effect on Tuesday 17 September and new signage will be installed to advise motorists of the changes.
The speed limit along most of the reviewed section of Bylong Valley Way is currently 100 km/h apart from a 700-metre section near a railway level crossing (80 km/h) and a 600-metre section as the road passes through Bylong township (50 km/h).
Following the review it has been determined that:
The 100 km/h speed limit from Bylong to Murrumbo Valley and the Coxs Gap western ascent, a total of 22.5 kilometres, will be reduced to 80 km/h.
The 100 km/h speed limit at Coxs Gap, a total of 2.3 kilometres, will be reduced to 60 km/h.
Curve advisory signage and curve alignment markers will also be adjusted to suit the new speed zones.
Transport for NSW initiated a speed zone review of a 24.8-kilometre section of Bylong Valley Way following concerns over crashes in the area, particularly involving motorcyclists.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the review assessed a number of factors including location, crash history, road environment, the number of access points, road usage, traffic mix and traffic volumes.
“Due to its proximity to Sydney, its tight curves and lack of roadside development and undulating terrain, Bylong Valley Way is becoming an increasingly popular destination for recreational motorcyclists and drivers,” Mr Lunn said.
“It is also a significant route for tourists and heavy mining and industrial vehicles as a primary connection between Muswellbrook and the Castlereagh Highway near Ilford, leading to Lithgow and Sydney to the south and Bathurst to the west.
“However, it is also a road with a worrying crash history, including off-road crashes and animal strikes.
“Between 2018 and 2022 there were nine reported crashes resulting in four serious injuries and two moderate injuries. One of those crashes was a collision with a kangaroo while two more were a result of vehicles hitting an embankment or a tree.
“Four of the crashes involved motorcyclists and all the crashes occurred in dry conditions.”
Mid-Western Regional Council and local police have been consulted about the speed changes and support the recommendation.
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