Safety improvement work is due to start soon on the Kiama Bends. Image: Transport for NSW.
Work to install new motorcycle safety barriers on the Princes Highway at Kiama Bends will start on Monday (16 June).
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will also upgrade 3 km of existing barriers when it installs the ground level barriers.
A TfNSW spokesperson said the work was in response to the road’s poor crash history.
“We are making these changes to improve safety to this stretch of road that has seen 26 crashes, seven involving motorcycles, in the five years to June 2022,” the spokesperson said.
“As part of this work we are adding ground level safety barriers specifically to reduce the impact and severity for motorcyclists when impacting a standard guardrail barrier.
“Known as a motorcycle underrun, the ground level safety barriers are most commonly installed on tight curves, and roads that carry significant numbers of motorcyclists.”
Research by Transport found including motorcycle underruns in addition to roadside barriers would result in a 20 per cent reduction in the severity of a single vehicle off-carriageway motorcycle crash.
Work will be carried out between 8 pm and 4 am, Sunday to Thursday, starting on Monday 16 June for one month, weather permitting.
Motorists should expect changed traffic conditions including single lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h.
