Member for Barwon Roy Butler is applauding the recent news from NSW Government on the activation of 13 new smart road signs aiming to make travel through western and outback NSW safer, fairer and more reliable.

The solar-powered electronic signs will give drivers real-time updates on road conditions, displaying whether a route is open, closed, caution or 4WD only.

Previously manually controlled the new remotely-controlled, solar-powered signs have been installed at strategic intersections across 30,000 square kilometres of country roads, covering some of the most isolated and unpredictable terrain in the state.

Smart signs to help travellers, farmers and transport [Image Bourke Shite Council]

Bourke Shire Council General Manager, Leonie Brown, today took the opportunity to thank Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for its installation of two (2) electronic Road Condition Information Signs, in the vicinity of North Bourke.

Mrs Brown noted that one of the signs is located on the Wanaaring Road facing traffic heading out of North Bourke towards Wanaaring.

"This sign will assist in providing information to road users on the status of Wanaaring Road and The Cut Line between Bourke, Wanaaring, Borrona Downs and Tibooburra” Mrs Brown said.

“There is a further sign located on Mitchell Highway facing north bound traffic heading out of North Bourke towards Queensland, with this sign providing information to road users on the status of the Mitchell Highway between Bourke, Barringun and Cunnamulla.

"Each sign will provide real-time traffic information to road users,” Mrs Brown said. 

"Up until now, when either of these roads have been closed due to flooding, Council has worked with TfNSW to locate a mobile variable messaging board at an appropriate location to advise motorists of the closure.

"The installation of the new electronic signs will replace the need for these mobile signs.”

Mrs Brown noted that all but 9.6 kilometres of the Bourke to Wanaaring Road had now been sealed.

“Whilst Council will finalise the sealing of the Wanaaring Road next year following the receipt of grant funding, the road beyond Wanaaring remains unsealed.

"During periods of inclement weather, this real time signage will be very beneficial to the ever-increasing number of road users traversing the far northwest of the State,” she said.

High tech road signs have long been a part of metropolitan travel and finally the bush is beginning to see equivalent technology.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler says this is great news for far west and western NSW. [Image Roy Butler's Office]

“This is a big win for people living, working and travelling across western NSW,” said Member for Barwon Roy Butler.

“These smart signs can help take the uncertainty out of outback driving.

“The signs mean fewer dangerous trips for Transport for NSW and council road crews, and more reliable journeys for locals, farmers, freight operators and tourists.

“It’s great to see the NSW Government investing in practical, on-the-ground improvements that make life safer and easier for the bush."

Transport for NSW’s team built and designed the signs at their Yennora Depot in Western Sydney prior to them being transported to the outback, with each sign built in modular sections for ease of onsite assembly.

It took crews weeks on the road in remote locations to install the new signs.

Nine signs were previously installed on the Cobb and Silver City highways, with the 13 new signs covering some of the state's most remote areas, around Bourke, Wanaaring, Borrona Downs, Tibooburra, Packsaddle and White Cliffs.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison. [Image NSW Parliament]

“These signs will save time, reduce risk and help travellers plan safer, more reliable journeys,” said Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison.

“Roads in outback NSW can be unpredictable and knowing whether a road is open or closed before you set off can save hours or even save lives.

“They are providing live updates straight from the source.

“Whether you live in the city or the bush, everyone deserves reliable roads.

“We also want to thank the far west community, who for years have gone out of their way to manually update signs. This new technology will make their roads, and their lives, safer.”