The New South Wales government is pushing ahead with a multi-billion-dollar upgrade of the Great Western Highway despite uncertainty over federal funding.
Key points:
- Changes will be made to the Great Western Highway upgrade following community consultation
- The NSW government says the adjustments will make it safer for local residents
- It is vowing to start construction in 2023, despite questions over federal funding
Changes have been unveiled to the eastern and western sections of the dual carriageway between Lithgow and Little Highway and from Katoomba to Blackheath.
The adjustments have been made after community consultation into the review of environmental factors.
On the western end, the changes include improvements to service roads for local residents and a second over-bridge.
A shared path for pedestrians and cyclists will now start at the Berghofer's Pass carpark and will continue to the village of Hartley.
In the eastern end, the carriageway will be extended to Blackheath and will provide safer access between the upgraded road and the existing highway.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the changes have been made following feedback from a review of environmental factors for the dual carriageways.
"The Great Western Highway is fast becoming a reality," Mr Toole said.
"This is a game-changer. This particular project is an incredible milestone and will make a world of difference."
Funding concerns
The project was initially due to be jointly funded by the state and Commonwealth, with the total cost expected to be $4.5 billion.
NSW has chipped in $2.5 billion but federal Labor has said it is yet to decide whether it will honour the previous Coalition government's commitment.
The federal budget will be handed down Tuesday night.
"I've got concerns about this project and many projects across regional NSW," Mr Toole said.
"I'm calling on the Treasurer to ensure that projects like the Great Western Highway remain in the budget."
The Deputy Premier says he has written to the federal treasurer, Jim Chalmers, to seek assurances that the federal funding will still be available.
"If the rug gets pulled out from us by the federal government, there will be a lot of backlash," Mr Toole said.
"There will be a lot of people who will be very concerned by this.
"I won't be going away if this is what happens. I can rest assure the [Roads] Minister and myself will be raising these matters directly with Canberra."
The Regional Roads and Transport Minister Sam Farraway said construction of the western section of the upgrade was on track to start in early 2023.
Three contractors have been shortlisted to compete to build the eastern and western dual carriageways.
The tunnel is due to be built in around 18 months' time.