Significant road safety upgrades will be fast-tracked to help reduce road trauma and save lives on New South Wales roads, thanks to a $78.6 million funding boost from the Australian and New South Wales governments.
The funding will support a further 191 road safety projects across the state, with a strong focus on rural and regional roads.
The upgrades are jointly funded under the Road Safety Program, with the Australian Government contributing $61.7 million and the NSW Government providing $16.9 million.
Projects will include upgrades to highways and arterial roads by sealing shoulders and installing rumble strips, as well as improving physical barriers and medians to prevent crashes.
These projects will create around 580 jobs and new opportunities for businesses and suppliers, delivering an important economic boost and helping drive NSW's economic recovery.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the road upgrades would help keep motorists safe and the economy strong.
"One life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why we are delivering this funding to improve roads right across the nation," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"We are investing in shovel-ready projects that can get underway quickly, saving lives sooner while supporting local construction jobs, businesses and the economy.
"Better road infrastructure will keep motorists and freight moving safely and efficiently, reducing the number of tragedies on our roads and driving our nation's productivity.
"This additional funding under the Road Safety Program builds on the $422.6 million already flowing to 404 projects across NSW, all of which are already complete or underway.
"The Liberal and Nationals Government is getting the job done for New South Wales, delivering the infrastructure the state needs and deserves with more than $44.3 billion committed to infrastructure projects in the state since 2013."
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said these critical works will make sure those travelling across the state get home sooner and safer.
"The objective is to reduce fatal and serious injuries, moving towards zero fatalities occurring on our roads by 2056," Mr Farraway said.
"Part of achieving this goal is ensuring that vulnerable road users, like cyclists and pedestrians, also see greater protections through road safety upgrades like separated cycle-ways and raised pedestrian crossings - which this funding will help deliver.
"One death or serious injury to a pedestrian, cyclist or any road user is one too many, so the most important thing we can do for our community here in New South Wales is to invest in making our roads as safe as they can be."
Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new projects are expected to be delivered later this year.
"Fast-tracking road safety upgrades means that commuters, truck drivers and freight operators will be enjoying smoother, safer more efficient journeys into the future," Mr Buchholz said.
"Delivering these upgrades as soon as possible is crucial to protecting motorists while also boosting our economy on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is another example of the Australian Government working to reduce the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads."
Funding under the Road Safety Program is delivering 595 projects across the state and supporting 4,076 jobs.
The Australian Government has committed $810 million overall under the Road Safety Program to make NSW's roads safer.
