The Minns Labor Government has listened to the Blue Mountains community, with work to erect new fencing and a retaining wall beside the Great Western Highway at Blaxland starting in May, providing a physical barrier between pedestrians and the thousands of cars and trucks that travel through the village every day.
The NSW Government committed $1.6 million to install a number of safety initiatives including fencing following the tragic death of Mackenzie Blake, a 21-year-old woman who was struck by a truck that mounted the kerb as she was walking on the footpath in 2021.
Work will get under way on Monday 12 May to install 300 metres of pedestrian fencing and 135 metres of low retaining wall between the highway and rail corridor, and to widen the footpath to 1.5 metres.
During work, pedestrian access will be closed between Layton Avenue and Blaxland Railway Station on the eastbound side of the highway, with diversions in place via the westbound side of the Great Western Highway, with crossings at the Layton Avenue traffic signals and the pedestrian overbridge.
Work will be carried out at night to minimise the impact on pedestrians and motorists, with work hours of 8pm to 5am from Sunday to Wednesday, and 9pm to 5am on Thursdays. There will be no work on Friday and Saturday nights, nor public holidays.
For the safety of workers and road users, temporary traffic changes will be in place during work hours including traffic control, lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h. All work is expected to be completed by Friday 27 June, weather permitting.
For the latest traffic updates, call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.
Trish Doyle, Member for Blue Mountains said:
“The tragedy in 2021 when a much-loved young woman lost her life focused attention on this section of highway in Blaxland and we’re confident these improvements will not only make pedestrians feel safer but also provide a tangible reminder for motorists of the need to exercise extra caution when pedestrians are around.
“I pay tribute to Mackenzie’s Mum, Tracy Blake, for working tirelessly with me and Roads officers on plans for this safety barrier. It has been an incredibly harrowing few years, but I am pleased to see this crucial work commencing, for Tracy particularly, in honouring Mackenzie’s life.”
“Along with new fencing and a retaining wall, this work will also provide a wider and more level footpath, with better separation between pedestrians and traffic on the highway.
“About 27 trees, including two palm trees, will be removed as part of this safety upgrade but, once the work is done, more than 80 trees will then be planted in accordance with the Blue Mountains City Council landscaping plan.”
“Safety for road users and pedestrians is always our number one priority and we are always on the lookout for possible improvements.”
