First stage of Barton Highway duplication complete
The first stage of duplication on the Barton Highway is now complete, three years after the first sod was turned with the speed zone now back to 100 km/h.
The Australian and NSW Governments committed $200 million towards the first two stages of the Barton Highway Upgrade, with $150 million provided by the Australian Government and $50 million by the NSW Government.
Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director South, Cassandra Ffrench, said stage one of the project has delivered safer, more efficient and more reliable travel for motorists and local residents.
“The seven kilometres of duplicated lanes, and upgrades to the existing highway, have delivered a two-lane southbound carriageway from north of the NSW/ACT border to south of Kaveneys Road,” Ms Ffrench said.
“Included in this stage of the project is a central median separating the two carriageways, upgraded intersections and property access roads to the highway.
“Dedicated U-turn facilities have also been provided to manage right-turn movements, as well as improvements to existing bus stops at Spring Range and Nanima roads.”
Ms Ffrench said safety was the key driver for the project, acknowledging the high crash rate and national significance of the highway linking Canberra and southern NSW.
“From 2018 to 2022, a total of 60 crashes were recorded on the full length of the Barton Highway.
“During construction, the project team overcame many challenges presented by COVID and weather impacts, with 287 days of wet weather meaning 3049mm of rain fell in the area over the project.
“We thank motorists and the community for their patience and understanding throughout the project so far.
“Planning is well under way for the second stage of duplication, which will start at the northern end of the first stage, near Kaveneys Road, and extend north towards Gooda Creek Road.
“Work on the next stage is expected to start in 2025, in parallel with a small section of highway at the NSW/ACT border.”
For more information, go to https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/barton-highway
Fast facts:
- 101,909 tonnes of road pavement was placed.
- 14.2 kms of guardrail and 15.7 kms of drainage pipes were installed.
- 287 days of wet weather, with 3049mm of rain recorded.
- Over $24 million spent within a 100-kilometre radius.
- More than 366,200 combined hours worked across the project.