A RE-ELECTED Coalition Government would begin design and construction of a 31 kilometre duplication of the Great Western Highway in the next term of government, Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced in Bathurst on Wednesday.
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The project would duplicate the highway all the way from Lithgow to Katoomba by 2028, potentially slashing travel times between Bathurst and Sydney.
Mr Barilaro was joined by Bathurst MP Paul Toole to announce that construction of the duplicated highway would first focus on the Medlow Bath upgrade, Mount Victoria bypass and Jenolan Caves Road to South Bowenfels.
READ MORE: Highway upgrade proves effective one year on
Mr Barilaro said the duplication would deliver much improved safety and efficiency, improve freight access and cut travel times and the road toll, while laying the foundations for the transformation of a rapidly growing region.
“The Central West NSW region is the third-largest contributor to the NSW economy and the Great Western Highway is vital to the NSW economy, connecting Sydney with world-class people, produce and resources from Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Wellington, Dubbo and beyond,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We have worked hard to get the Budget back into shape and to strengthen our economy. That hard work is paying off in spades as we are able to deliver these major infrastructure projects for regional communities across NSW.”
More to come
