Major works are underway to build two new lanes northbound on the Barton Highway from south of the New South Wales- Australian Capital Territory border to the intersection of Rolfe Road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said once complete, the highway duplication will better connect communities, deliver new job opportunities and increase access to essential services.
"Major work is now underway on the new lanes following the completion of preparation works such as initial fencing, utility relocations and site set up which started in November last year," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"In good news for local communities, this first stage of duplication works on the Barton Highway are expected to be extended by a further 2.5 kilometres out to Kaveney's Road.
"The Australian and NSW Governments have committed $200 million to duplicating the Barton Highway, with $50 million invested by both Governments in the first stage, which will directly benefit the 13,000 motorists and heavy vehicle operators who travel along this section of road each day."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Barton Highway duplication was just one of many highways across the state being upgraded to ensure safer and stronger regions.
"Duplicating the Barton Highway means safer journeys, better productivity and a bigger economy - and it's keeping our regional economies going at the time when they are doing it tough," Mr Toole said.
"Eventually, the Barton Highway will be duplicated from Hall in the ACT to the existing two-lane section on the Hume Highway, bypassing Murrumbateman, which will deliver a fully duplicated highway connection from Sydney to Canberra.
"We are investing more money than ever before in our regional road infrastructure and delivering upgrade after upgrade each year - and it's absolutely transforming regional NSW."
Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the project would boost safety for motorists driving across the southern region of NSW.
"The project will improve what is an already important link for communities in the area to vital health services and employment opportunities," Senator Molan said.
"The Barton Highway is an essential part of the NSW and ACT transport network and this project will go a long way towards supporting freight efficiency."
"I've heard from many people living in the Eden-Monaro electorate of the difficulties this road presents. It gives me great pleasure to see the major works underway."
State Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said locals are playing a critical role in the delivery of the Barton Highway duplication project with about 70 per cent of the workforce made up of local workers, businesses and suppliers.
"About 200 people from the local area have been inducted since work started with the local contribution critical to finishing early work, and will be integral as we start major construction work," Mrs Tuckerman said.
"The local workforce is involved with jobs such as traffic control, line marking, plumbing, fencing, sealing, sediment control, and equipment hire.
"It's pleasing to see work progress with the expertise of so many local people and businesses, particularly after a challenging 12 months during the pandemic."
The Australian and NSW Governments have committed a combined $200 million to upgrade the Barton Highway, with the work being delivered by the Barton Highway Upgrade Alliance - a partnership of Transport for NSW, Seymour Whyte and SMEC.
The initial stage of duplication is expected to be completed in 2023, weather permitting.
