The Federal Government has committed $116 million to the Coxs River Road Upgrade at Little Hartley through its 2024-25 Budget, as part of efforts to improve regional road networks in the Central West region of New South Wales.
The $232 million project, jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, involves widening and realigning 2.4km of the Great Western Highway from east of Mid Hartley Road to east of Coxs River Road into two lanes in each direction, providing a safer and more efficient road.
It will also include a grade-separated interchange at Coxs River Road.
Construction, which is supporting at least 530 jobs, commenced in early 2023 and is expected to be completed by late 2025.
The funding is part of over $3.1 billion towards vital land transport infrastructure projects in New South Wales in the recent Federal Budget.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is working to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of the nation.
“The Coxs River Road upgrade will ensure people in the Central West will get home quicker and, most importantly, travel safer,” Ms King said.
“We’re getting on with the job of delivering a better future for all Australians, made in Australia.”
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain, said that good road networks unlock economic opportunities in regions, they make it easier for locals and tourists to get around, and they keep freight vehicles moving efficiently.
“The Central West is a fast-growing part of New South Wales, which is why we continue to partner with the State Government to progress high-priority road safety projects across the state,” Ms McBain said.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that the Federal and State Governments’ partnership to invest in this critical project for the Central West demonstrates a shared commitment to significantly improving regional roads.
“We understand the Great Western Highway is a busy and vital route for visitors to the region, locals, businesses and the freight industry, which is why we are getting on with the job of building a road network for the future.”
Image: Slow Walker/shutterstock.com
