Budget boost for Great Western Highway

As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving regional road networks across Central West NSW, $116 million will be invested in the Coxs River Road Upgrade at Little Hartley, through the 2024-25 Federal Budget.

The $232 million project, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Government, involves widening and realigning 2.4 kilometres 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 NSW in the recent Federal Budget.

This includes over $2.5 billion to upgrade important road and rail infrastructure and support planning for future projects, as well as nearly $580 million to help ensure the delivery of existing projects.

The Government’s total infrastructure commitment to NSW over the next 10 years is $20.8 billion, including $17.7 billion in major road and rail projects and $3 billion for smaller projects through programs such as the Roads to Recovery and Black Spot programs.

Find out more about Federal Budget 2024-25 announcements

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King said:

“We are working to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation.

“The Coxs River Road upgrade will ensure people in the Central West will get home quicker and, most importantly, travel safer.

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering a better future for all Australians, made in Australia.”

Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Kristy McBain said:

“Good road networks unlock economic opportunities in our regions, they make it easier for locals and tourists to get around, and they keep our freight vehicles moving efficiently.

“The Central West is a fast-growing part of NSW, which is why we continue to partner with the Minns Government to progress high-priority road safety projects across the state.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Albanese and Minns governments’ partnership to invest in this critical project for the Central West demonstrates our 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.”