ROUNDABOUT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT GOCUP ROAD INTERSECTION

A roundabout will be installed at the Gocup Road and Snowy Mountains Highway intersection in Tumut as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving safety on regional roads. 

Acting Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said eliminating road fatalities in regional communities is a major priority for the NSW Government and the roundabout will assist in reducing the number of crashes, improving safety for the people of Tumut.

“We know the Gocup Road and Snowy Mountains intersection is of real concern for residents and road users – and that was clear to me when I visited the intersection with the Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr and met with locals in July,” Mr Toole said.

“We’ve already made significant improvements to the intersection including adding advanced warning signs, vehicle activated signage, horizontal rumble strips and we are committed to taking further steps to make it safer.

“That’s why I asked the Centre for Road Safety to investigate all possible safety improvements to this intersection which has determined a roundabout would be the best solution to address safety concerns.”

Mr Toole said the roundabout will reduce approach speeds of traffic and allow for the best visibility of other vehicles moving through the intersection.

Other options investigated as part of the review were traffic lights, closing Capper Street, raising the intersection, closing Gocup Road and moving the intersection. 

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr welcomed the planned upgrade to the intersection. 

“I am glad the NSW Government has listened to the community and is treating this as a priority so that we can help avoid future tragedies,” Dr McGirr said.

 “The recent interim safety measures that have been put in place have significantly improved the safety of the intersection.

“The installation of additional vehicle activated signage on Snowy Mountains Highway this month will also make it safer for motorists, but it has always been clear that a longer term solution is needed.”

Mr Toole said Transport for NSW will now move to the design phase for the roundabout.

“We know it will need to be quite substantial in size - about 50 metres - so all traffic, including A-double and B-double trucks, can navigate it safely,” Mr Toole said. 

“We expect to have a concept design to share with the community later in the year and will then move as quickly as we can towards shovels in the ground.”

 Mr Toole said Transport for NSW was also planning to reduce the current 60 km/h speed limit on Snowy Mountains Highway, between Rifle Range and East Street, and on Gocup Road, just south of Gilmore Creek, to 50 km/h to slow down traffic and make the road and highway safer for all travellers.