NSW regional roads to receive more than A$1.2 billion for upgrades
Routes linking Newcastle and Dubbo, Muswellbrook and Armidale, and Euston and Tocumwal are among those receiving state and federal funding.
The federal and NSW governments have announced more than A$1.2 billion in new funding for regional road improvements, with wider roads, overtaking lanes and rest facilities among the planned works. The Albanese government will contribute A$674 million and the Minns government A$610 million.
Including funding announced earlier, the governments’ combined investment reaches A$1.74 billion. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the work would help prevent disruption to NSW supply chains.
The Newcastle–Dubbo corridor will receive A$294 million in new funding. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the upgrade would also cover improvements to John Renshaw Drive and the Hunter Expressway. She said the corridor had become particularly important following the Great Western Highway closure caused by structural failure at Victoria Pass.
The route carries wind turbines and generators to the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. Aitchison said the improvements were intended to support freight across industries, including agriculture and mining, rather than renewable energy alone.
More than A$680 million in additional funding will go to the Muswellbrook–Armidale corridor, bringing that project’s investment to A$849 million. Aitchison said key stretches of the New England Highway would be upgraded. The Euston–Tocumwal corridor will receive A$310 million for work on the Sturt and Newell Highways and Kidman Way.
The governments said plans included widening shoulders and intersections, adding lanes for turning and overtaking, and providing new or upgraded rest stops, pull-over bays and heavy vehicle facilities.
