The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working hard to get the Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade back on track after it stalled under the former New South Wales coalition government.

The Tamworth community is now being invited to have their say on the next stage of the $58.4 million upgrade of Goonoo Goonoo Road, a vital road and freight link on the New England Highway.

Following earlier consultation on the full project scope, the options for staged delivery have been refined to address the most pressing transport needs first in collaboration with Tamworth Regional Council and development activities.

Two sections of the upgrade were considered – north and south of the proposed Craigends Lane roundabout, which is now being delivered separately.

Delivery of the northern section between Craigends Lane and Calala Lane has been fast-tracked due to its heavier traffic volumes and its importance to local and regional connections to the North and East of Tamworth.

The Albanese Government has committed $46.72 million to the project while the Minns Government contributed $11.68 million.

More than 20,000 motorists use the road daily, making it one of NSW's most heavily traffic regional routes and a critical freight link on the New England Highway network.

The proposed northern upgrade will:

• Replace the Calala Lane roundabout with modern traffic signals
• Provide dedicated and shared turning lanes to improve traffic flow
• Deliver controlled pedestrian crossings with signal phasing on all intersection approaches
• Add separate turning lanes for Goonoo Goonoo Road traffic entering Calala Lane
• Widen the road to two lanes in each direction with a central median
• Build a new eastern footpath from Craigends Lane to Calala Lane
• The community are invited to comment on the proposed staged approach and design as planning progresses.

For more information about the project and feedback opportunities, visit: nswroads.work/ggroad.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Upgrading this busy section of Goonoo Goonoo Road is an example of the Australian Government’s commitment to support projects that improve safety and efficiency for both freight and regular commuter traffic.

“This is about working with the community to get the best outcome for Tamworth.

“The northern section upgrade will improve safety, support planned growth, and maintain the city’s role as a regional freight hub.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“I take very seriously my commitment to get this project done, which was stalled after it was first announced by the NSW Nationals in 2019 and then re-announced it before the 2023 election.

“Under the Coalition, this project was going nowhere, however working with the Albanese Federal Government, Tamworth Regional Council and local stakeholders, the Minns Labor Government has been able to get the Goonoo Goonoo Road upgrade back on track.

“More than 20,000 motorists use Goonoo Goonoo Road each day.

"We want to make sure the upgrade meets the community’s needs now and into the future, which is why your feedback is so important.

“When complete, this project will remove a major pinch point from the city's road network, providing easier access for those visiting its entertainment and equestrian precinct.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Tim Ayres:

“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver the infrastructure that locals need to increase safety and efficiency for one of the state’s busiest regional routes.

“This major investment ensures the Tamworth region has the crucial freight and transport connections it needs now and well into the future.”