BY MAXWELL HARVEY
Vital routes in the Hunter are set to be upgraded as part of a $1.7 billion investment from the NSW Government's Regional Corridors Upgrade Program.
A joint effort between state and federal governments, the program aims to improve safety and efficiency across three corridors -- Newcastle to Dubbo, Muswellbrook to Armidale, and Euston to Tocumwal.
Much of the work will occur in the Hunter, with the Golden Highway, Hunter Expressway, and New England Highway major focuses for the project
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the state government has identified these routes as vital arteries for agricultural and industrial commerce.
"The key point about a lot of these roads is that they are east-west freight corridors, particularly the Golden Highway that goes from Newcastle right through to Dubbo," she said.
"Now these roads are doing the heavy lifting of getting produce from our state's farms and mines and other industrial centres into the ports at Newcastle and Melbourne, and right across this country."
Included in the upgrades are wider road shoulders and intersections, alongside new turning and overtaking lanes.
Intelligent transport systems will be introduced, such as digital signage in an effort to create a comprehensive motorist information and monitoring network.
Additionally new rest stops and heavy vehicle facilities have been promised, intended to support the state's expanding network of freight operators.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has promised the rapid completion of the projects, using the finishing of the M1 upgrades ahead of schedule as proof of his government's efficacy.
"This is not a 'nice to have', it's a must have in terms of road infrastructure," he said.
"We expect all of these major road projects to be completed inside the next four years, producing a lot of employment, a lot of economic growth, and even apprentices that'll come onto the project."
Initial work on improvements between Newcastle and Dubbo has already begun, with work on the other routes expected to start in the near future.
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| Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley, Premier Chris Minns, and Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison. Picture: Ian Crouch |