Budget boost to accelerate Barton Highway works
03 July 2018
Federal Government: A
safer, more efficient
Barton Highway is closer to reality with the
Australian Government committing $100 million in the 2018–19 Budget to
this important corridor linking regional
NSW and the
ACT.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Michael McCormack said the funding was part of the
Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to upgrade key freight
corridors in regional Australia and increase productivity by connecting
major agricultural and resource areas to our cities and
ports.
“This new funding builds on our $50 million commitment which is
progressing duplication from the ACT border west towards Murrumbateman,”
Mr McCormack said.
“We are working with the
NSW Government to accelerate these works,
through consultation with industry on the design and progressing
planning
approvals,” Mr McCormack said.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John
McVeigh said the Barton Highway is a key connector for regional
communities with the
ACT.
“We know the Barton Highway is a critical connection for motorists and
freight vehicles operating between the regions and the ACT. We are also
working closely with the NSW and ACT Governments and Local Councils to
progress priority upgrades, which will be informed by the Barton Highway
Duplication Business Case due later this year,” Dr McVeigh said.
“This additional funding will support regional tourism and freight
travelling on the Barton Highway.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melina Pavey said the
section between Yass and the ACT border has been notorious for crashes
over the years and the new funding was very welcome.
“We are progressing the duplication and implementing Intelligent
Transport Systems, which will improve trip reliability and better manage
incidents via real-time traffic monitoring, CCTV and variable messaging
informing motorists of changed conditions,” Mrs Pavey said.
Senator for NSW Jim Molan said works had already begun on tree trimming,
adjustments to existing line marking and installation of updated road
signs and safety barriers as part of the existing Barton Highway
Improvement Strategy.
“Importantly, residents, farmers and other key stakeholders are being
kept informed during the planning and construction process needed to
duplicate the Barton Highway from the ACT border west towards
Murrumbateman,” Senator Molan said.
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said all levels of Government working
together has helped secure the progress to date.
“The Federal Government, State Government and Council have worked
closely with the Yass and Murrumbateman communities on this project. We
know that there is more work to do, and today is another important step
in that process,” Ms Goward said.
Mayor of Yass Valley Council Rowena Abbey said the Council is working
closely with the Australian and NSW Governments throughout the entire
development.
“Today reinforces the Federal Coalition Government's commitment of an
additional $100m towards the commencement of the duplication of the
Barton Highway, a vital and strategic link between our nation's capital
and southern
NSW,” Cr Abbey said.
“On behalf of the Yass Valley and the wider Canberra region we thank the
Government for its commitment towards this major infrastructure
project.”
The NSW Government has committed $50 million to the Barton Highway
works.
--ENDS--
Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
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