The intersection of Salamander Way and Town Centre Circuit, at the Salamander Bay shops, will undergo extensive improvements.

The improvements revolve around an upgrade from give-way to stop signs, where the lines will be moved forward using kerb extensions, to help provide a better line of sight for vehicles entering Salamander Way.

The upgrade will include a seagull island and acceleration lane for safer entry and exit from Town Centre Circuit.

The upgrade is one of three across the Paterson electorate that include projects in and near Maitland.

Paterson MP Bob Baldwin welcomed the funds for projects recommended by a consultative panel. 

“The Black Spot program allows anyone to make a submission for a safety upgrade to a road or intersection in their local area,” he said.

“According to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, there were 1,242 road deaths in Australia in the 12 months to February 2016. This is far too many and we must continue the campaign to make our roads safer.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester announced the funds with Mr Baldwin on Thursday. Mr Chester said the projects would be delivered during the course of 2016-17.

“The annual economic cost of road crashes is estimated at $27 billion per year. Governments of all levels have made significant progress over several decades in reducing fatalities, yet there is still work to be done,” Mr Chester said.

“This investment is helping to make our local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“The Australian Government has committed $500 million to the Black Spot program from 2014‑15 to 2018-19, including an additional $200 million over two years from 2015-16 to improve road safety and infrastructure across the country.”