Roads and Maritime Services, a New South Wales (NSW) statutory authority, will be carrying out road improvement works on the New England Highway near Milpera Drive at Muswellbrook. The upgrade works will begin on 20 November.

The NSW Government will be providing A$ 3.9m ($2.9m) for carrying out all the essential work to strengthen and extend the life of the highway. The project is expected to be completed in five weeks, if weather permits.

NSW Upper Hunter member Michael Johnsen said: “Work includes rebuilding a 1.6km of the highway, improving line marking and installing kerbside barriers to increase motorists’ safety.

"Work includes rebuilding a 1.6km of the highway, improving line marking and installing kerbside barriers to increase motorists’ safety."

“The work also includes minor drainage improvements which aim to reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

"This work will benefit the 10,000 motorists traveling along the highway at Muswellbrook daily.”

Additionally, Roads and Maritime Services also intend to begin work to improve pedestrian access and safety on Wyong Road at Killarney Vale.

For this project, the NSW Government is providing A$ 450,000 (approximately $336,217), which includes pedestrian improvements on Wyong Road between The Entrance Road and Kathleen White Crescent.

Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Scot MacDonald said: “Work involves installing mid-block traffic lights to help pedestrians cross the road at this busy location and building connecting footpaths, kerb and gutter and ramps to improve pedestrian access to the new traffic lights.

“Eight on-road parking spaces are required to be removed to provide space for the new crossing facility.

“Roads and Maritime thanks the community for providing feedback on the proposal in September this year.”

The pedestrian improvement works are scheduled to begin on 21 November.