THE NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT has unveilled a budget which will see $4.4 billion invested in the development and maintenance of critical road infrastructure across NSW.

Minister for Roads Michael Daley described the budget, with an increase of $400 million over last year’s budget, as the biggest road investment program in the state’s history.

“This record investment will support more than 5,000 direct jobs in the construction program alone, which – at a time of global recession – is the government’s first priority” Mr Daley said.

With $1.8 billion committed for road construction, over $700 million is targeted to upgrading the Pacific Highway. A further $1 billion will be put towards maintenance and $325 million for improvements to the traffic network.

“Road safety is a top priority for the NSW Government which is why we’re pouring $234 million into road safety projects – an increase of $93 million on last year.

“This is in addition to the safety benefits that will come from our $1.8 billion road construction program and our $1 billion road maintenance program,” Mr Daley said.

Major infrastructure projects due for completion in the coming year include:

• $152 million to complete the upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Coopernook and Herons Creek;
• $34 million to complete the upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Karuah and Bulahdelah;
• $12 million to complete the upgrade of the Princes Highway between Oak Flats to Dunmore;
• $22 million to complete the air filtration plant for the M5 East Tunnel;
• $21 million to complete the widening of the F3 Freeway to six lanes between Mt Colah and Cowan; and
• $3 million to complete the Wollongong Northern Distributor extension.

“By investing in these projects, the Rees Government is supporting NSW jobs now and building a road network for the future.

“The record $4.4 billion roads budget will also make sure essential RTA frontline services are maintained in motor registries and inspection stations across the state.

“That’s why we’re hitting the ground running to deliver these important infrastructure and road safety projects,” Mr Daley said.