MEDIA RELEASE
14 NOVEMBER
SAFETY TRIAL ON THE NEWELL HIGHWAY
An RTA spokesperson said a new style of centreline marking will be installed at two
locations on the Newell Highway as part of a trial to improve road safety.
“This innovative new centreline marking is expected to help reduce off road and
head-on crashes caused by speed, fatigue and driver inattention.
“The main differences in the line marking are the use of tactile lines – also known as
rumble strips - and a wider gap between the road markings.
“The line marking has two white lines and two rumble strips with a gap in the middle.
“The overall width of the new centreline marking is 1.2 metres,” the spokesperson
said.
“Where overtaking is prohibited, either one or both of the lines will be unbroken.
“The trial sites are each about five kilometres in length with one north of Parkes and
the other north of West Wyalong.
“The RTA will monitor these sections of the Newell Highway with cameras installed
on the side of the highway before the installation of the new line marking and during
the trial period.
“This will allow the RTA to assess and evaluate the drivers’ perceptions,
understanding and acceptance of the current road markings and the new road
markings.”
The spokesperson said signage will also be installed to provide drivers with guidance
on how the new line marking works.
“The line marking is expected to be installed in early 2010.
“If the trial is successful, it is likely the line marking will remain on the Newell Highway
and that similar line
marking will be installed at other locations on the highway
and
other State roads,” the spokesperson said.
CONTACT:
RTA Media Unit 8588 5999 (a graphic is available on request)
NEWS 
