Vehicles travelling on the final alignment of the Barton Highway Upgrade in New South Wales have marked a major milestone for the road project.
Both the Federal and State Governments have banded together to help fund the upgrade project, with the New South Wales Government providing $50 million and the Federal Government committing $150 million.
All northbound Barton Highway traffic will switch onto the new lanes, while work is carried out to prepare the existing highway for southbound-only traffic.
When the reconfiguration of the existing highway is complete, the 7km length of duplication from just north of the New South Wales-Australian Capital Territory border to just south of Kaveneys Road intersection, will be open to four lanes, signalling the completion of the first stage of the Barton Highway upgrade.
Planning is now well under way for the second stage of duplication, which will start at the northern end of the first stage, near Kaveneys Road, and extend north towards Gooda Creek Road.
The Barton Highway project team will be at the upcoming Murrumbateman Field Days on 21 and 22 October at Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds at site Y35 where the community can find out the latest updates on the project.
Transport for NSWwill also be promoting road safety and its Be Truck Aware campaign at sites Y36 and Y37.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said it was great to see the progress of the Barton upgrade moving along.
“It is great to see strong progress on this project, which has battled the poor conditions of La Nina weather conditions resulting in higher-than-average rainfall,” Ms King said.
“Despite this, work has carried on, with an impressive 254,000㎥ of earthwork completed and 60,000t of road surface rolled out.”
Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, Kristy McBain, said, “The Barton Highway is a strategically important rural highway linking the southern and western areas of New South Wales to the Australian Capital Territory, and this duplication will help improve safety for all motorists making this journey.
“The ultimate goal will be a fully duplicated Barton Highway between the Australian Capital Territory and the Hume Highway, providing motorists with consistent, separated two-lane driving conditions in each direction and constant overtaking opportunities without the need to merge.”
More information will be shared with the community about the traffic switch, completion of the first stage of duplication, and next steps for the southern tie-in and second stage of duplication when available.
