The Minns Labor Government has released a new interactive digital map displaying safety star ratings for over 35,000 km of roads across New South Wales, marking a significant step in enhancing road safety across the state.

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The map, developed under the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP), rates more than 20,000 km of state roads and 15,000 km of regional roads using national safety standards. The ratings, based on data collected over the past decade, reflect how well roads are designed to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.

Key Data Highlights

  • Over 71% of all road travel in NSW occurs on state roads rated 3 stars or higher.
  • This performance positions NSW close to the national target of 80% by 2030.
  • Less than 1% of roads received a 5-star rating, typically newer freeways or high-speed arterial roads.
  • Most state roads are rated 3 stars, indicating compliance with national safety standards.
  • 23.5% of travel is on 2-star rated roads, and 3.8% on 1-star roads.

While a 1-star rating does not signify unsafe conditions, these roads often have lower traffic volumes and fewer safety features. Upgrading these roads with measures like roadside barriers and wider shoulders can significantly enhance safety.

Targeted Safety Investments

The state is investing over $500 million into road safety improvements. As part of the Commonwealth-NSW Road Safety Program, around 450 km of 1 and 2-star roads will be upgraded to 3 stars or higher within two years. The focus is on roads with high traffic volumes to maximise reductions in serious crashes.

Purpose of the Map

The interactive map is intended to:

  • Increase transparency in road safety data
  • Help prioritise funding for infrastructure upgrades
  • Identify high-risk corridors for targeted improvements

This initiative supports evidence-based decision making to ensure safety infrastructure is distributed fairly, particularly in areas with higher traffic and road trauma risks.

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NSW has gone beyond national requirements by including regional roads in the star rating assessment, a move other states are expected to follow. The work is being done in collaboration with Austroads and other state transport agencies to support a consistent and unified approach to national road safety improvements.

View the AusRAP map here.

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