Last year the speed limit was reduced from 110 kilometres per hour to 80 kilometres 850 metres south of Blackbutt Road for vehicles travelling out of Dubbo.

Now work has begun to widen the road shoulders, lengthen the right hand turning lane into Blackbutt Road and build an acceleration lane for traffic turning left from Blackbutt Road onto the Newell Highway, Dubbo MP Troy Grant said.

In January 2015 husband and wife Noel and June Clifton were killed on the road when their car collided with a truck. It prompted NSW Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Duncan Gay to commit $3 million to improve the intersection. 

“We wished it was there earlier but at the very least this tragedy should not go unheeded without changes put in place to the speed limit. We think they’re sensible and important changes to the Newell Highway,” Mr Gay said when he made the announcement in September.

Mr Grant said work would be carried out between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday, until June 30, weather permitting.

“To ensure the safety of road users and workers, lane closures and reduced speed limits will be in place on the Newell Highway with access to Blackbutt Road via Joira Road while the work is carried out,’ he said.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

“Roads and Maritime Services thanks the community for its patience while work is carried out,” Mr Grant said.