Safety improvement works on the Barton Highway will begin this week and plans to duplicate part of the road will be brought forward, beginning at the ACT border, the NSW and federal governments announced on Monday.
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Initial works will include new signs, tree trimming and extra safety barriers. Federal infrastructure minister Darren Chester said initial funds should also allow for a section of the road to be duplicated.
Sophie Wade, convenor of the Duplicate the Barton Highway Community Action Group said the latest announcement was a "win for us as a community".
"I'm pleased for safety works and I welcome the duplication – it's a relief," Mrs Wade said.
"I think the challenge now is to keep pressuring state and federal governments to continue the funding because this round of funding won't do the whole 24 km of duplication needed – it may get only a fifth of the way with this," she said.
NSW roads minister Melinda Pavey said that the current allocation of funding would not duplicate the full length from the ACT border to Murrumbateman.
"We'll get as far as we possibly can. Then we'll see what it takes in future budget cycles," Ms Pavey said.
The Australian Government has also approved a $3.25 million investment in intelligent transport systems that are designed to improve trip reliability and to better manage and reduce traffic incidents.
Ms Pavey said information technology systems could include real-time traffic monitoring, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and variable message signs at strategic locations to inform road users of changed traffic conditions.
Work is due for completion in mid-2021.
