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Road naming signs across the state will start changing from early next year as part of a project to standardise the system across major states.
The alpha-numeric system is currently used in Queensland and Victoria and identifies road corridors in order of their importance.
NSW Roads Minister, Duncan Gay said the system was used widely around the world. “The aim is to make it easier for motorists to know if they are travelling on a motorway or a route of national or state significance as they plan their trip.”
“This system will include M, A and B roads with a numbering system attached to each. The A roads will be numbered from 1 to 49, while the B routes will be numbered 50 to 99,” Mr Gay said.
M - Motorway
A - Route of national significance
B - Route of state significance
“For example, the corridor commonly known as the F3 will be signposted as the M1 Pacific Motorway. The Hume Highway from Liverpool to the city will change to the A22 and the Bells Line of Road will be known as the B59.
“Routes will retain their regular name, along with their alpha-numeric designation.
“The changes will mean drivers can be confident travelling along the eastern sea board that the road numbers all follow the same pattern, ending the confusion between states.”
Road signs in NSW have not been reviewed for 30 years. The introduction of the alpha-numeric system will be gradual, with more than 60 routes across NSW identified for the upgrade at a cost of around $20 million.
A number of important routes outside the Sydney orbital road network will be renamed as motorways and assigned an ‘M’ route marker.
The Sydney to Newcastle Freeway (commonly known as the ‘F3’) will become part of the M1 Pacific Motorway.
The Pacific Highway between the Queensland border and north of Byron Bay will now be part of the M1 Pacific Motorway.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has consulted ahead of this decision with emergency services and Destination NSW. RMS has prepared information on the changes including materials which can be used by tourist operators and mapping agencies.
Information and contact details to provide feedback can be found on RMS internet site.
“Any change takes adjustment but we are confident the new system will mean clearer directions for all motorists,” Mr Gay said.
The roll out will start in March 2013 and be completed by December 2013.
A roads
A roads
A39 - Newell Highway between Victorian Border and Queensland Border
A15 - New England Highway (from west of Branxton to Queensland Border)
A1 - Pacific Highway (from Beresfield to Byron Bay)
B roads
B roads
B78 – Waterfall Way (Urunga to New England Highway at Armidale)
·B60 – Bruxner Highway (Tenterfield to Pacific Highway, south to Ballina)