Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade: Calala Lane to Jack Smyth Drive upgrade set to add lights to Calala Lane

On Monday, Transport for NSW released plans to convert the section of Goonoo Goonoo Road, between Calala Lane and Jack Smyth Drive, to double lanes.

The blueprint, which is open for public consultation, also includes plans to add a roundabout at the Craigends Lane intersection, allowing residents to once again turn right. It also includes a median strip to segregate oncoming traffic, while the Calala Lane roundabout intersection is set to be converted to lights.

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Deputy Mayor Phil Betts said the blueprint was a "great plan".

Government has allocated $3 million to complete the design of the road. Once it's done it will be "shovel ready", just waiting for funding, he said.

"This particular section of road has been on the radar for about 15 years," he said.

"It's been a process of lobbying [to get the project on the political agenda]. There were other parts of Tamworth that had priority, which was the Manilla Road and Gunnedah Road.

"When projects get to this stage they are very high in the priority. I would envisage that work would commence fairly shortly after the design's finish."

The ageing road is Tamworth's main gateway for traffic to and from the state's capital. Over 20,000 vehicles use the road every day.

Cr Betts said Tamworth council is currently planning an upgrade to signage on the major arterial roads into town. Together with the highway upgrade it should leave a very attractive portal into the city, he said.

"It's extremely important to have a very presentable gateway to any city and this will complete the gateways to Tamworth on all aspects of its major arterial roads," he said.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson committed to a road upgrade before the 2019 election.

"Goonoo Goonoo Road has become more and more important to the Tamworth region over recent years," he said.

"The road now connects Tamworth residents to our world class sporting facilities and to AELEC. It is vital we get this project right, so that it remains fit for purpose for years to come.

"The congestion currently experienced on the road is a hindrance to the growth and success of Tamworth."

Brett Craswell has lived on Goonoo Goonoo Road for 35 years.

He's concerned the upgrade could divert water onto his property during heavy rain, but otherwise thinks the new road is a good idea.

He said the Calala roundabout lights, make sense.

"It doesn't worry me. Some people, they hate stopping at the lights. I don't mind, but I'm not in a rush - I'm retired, so I don't care," he said.

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Local resident Jasmine Stoot said the upgrade would be annoying, but worth it.

"I love the idea of double lanes. It's hard to get out of here at the best of times," she said.

Transport for NSW and the Tamworth Regional Council spent two years doing survey and design work, and traffic modeling on the road.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the upgrade would clear out "a major pinch point from Tamworth's urban area".

The upgrade does not yet have a timeline, and is dependent on the availability of funding from the state government.

The concept design is available online and is open to feedback until March 31.

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