NSW and Australian governments announce $1.74 billion road upgrade package

The Australian and New South Wales governments have announced a $1.74 billion investment through the Regional Corridors Upgrade Program (RCUP) to improve three major road corridors in NSW. The funding aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and freight connectivity to ports and industries, while supporting the transport of renewable energy equipment to inland project sites.

The investment is divided among three key routes:

• Muswellbrook to Armidale corridor: $849.8 million for upgrades to the New England Highway, including intersection widening, turning lanes, and intelligent transport systems. • Newcastle to Dubbo corridor: $520.8 million for the Golden Highway, John Renshaw Drive, and Hunter Expressway to connect the Great Dividing Range to the Central West. • Euston to Tocumwal corridor: $375 million for the Sturt and Newell Highways and Kidman Way in the state’s South West.

Supported by the NSW Government’s Project Swift initiative to accelerate delivery, the project is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs. Upgrades will include new overtaking lanes, digital signage, traffic monitoring cameras, and improved facilities for heavy vehicles and rest stops.