Barton Highway Review of Environmental Factors on display
24 February 2020
Communities in the Southern Tablelands and those living in Canberra’s north are encouraged to have their say on the Barton Highway upgrade with the Review of Environmental Factors now released for public consultation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would duplicate the highway from the ACT border to Murrumbateman.
“We want to improve safety for commuters travelling into Canberra from Murrumbateman and Yass. We know how important this is to the people living in this region,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Barton Highway upgrade will make journeys in and out of Canberra more reliable, it will ease congestion, improve driver safety and boost freight productivity, with the added benefit of driving economic growth and enhancing tourism in the area.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said upgrading 52 kilometres of the Barton Highway would change the way people move in and around the area.
“This is about tackling the congestion along this key corridor between Yass and Canberra and bringing safer, more efficient and more reliable journeys to the 13,000 motorists who use the Barton Highway every day,” Mr Toole said.
“The project will increase the number of lanes, divide the carriageway and deliver upgraded intersections with local roads. It will also provide a number of upgraded bus stops and improve safety for cyclists.”
“It’s about delivering for communities such as Murrumbateman, which will see safer access to the Barton Highway, less congestion and more visitors as a result of this upgrade.”
Senator for ACT Zed Seselja the project would improve freight efficiency.
“The Barton Highway is an essential part of the NSW and ACT transport network and this project will go a long way towards supporting freight efficiency, enhancing tourism and driving economic growth,” Senator Seselja said.
Senator for NSW Jim Molan AO DSC said the Federal and NSW Liberal and Nationals Governments are each providing $50 million over four years to the Barton Highway.
“The Australian Government is also committing an additional $100 million under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative,” Senator Molan said.
“The project will improve what is an already important link for communities in the area to vital health services and employment opportunities.”
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the completed project would improve journey reliability, ease congestion, improve driver safety and boost freight productivity.
“We’re tackling the ACT border to Murrumbateman section first because that’s where the most difference will be made to safety and efficiency in the short term – but I’m excited to see this upgrade delivered all the way to Yass, and we’re powering ahead to get there,” Ms Tuckerman said.
The Barton Highway REF will be available to view and download here, for comment from 24 February to 27 March 2020. The REF will be displayed from Monday, 24 February to Friday, 27 March 2020 at:
- Yass Valley Council office at 209 Comur Street from 8.30am to 5pm weekdays
- Yass Transport for NSW depot at 1401 Yass Valley Way from 9am to 4pm weekdays
- Murrumbateman Library, Old School House Barton Highway, from 10am to 1pm Saturdays
The project team will present the REF findings at two information sessions:
- Outside the Yass Memorial Hall on Thursday, 5 March from 10am to 3pm
- Murrumbateman Village Market on Saturday, 14 March from 9am to 1pm
Submissions will close at 5pm on Friday, 27 March 2020. For REF submissions or more information, contact 1800 931 250 or email barton.highway@rms.nsw.gov.au.
The Barton Highway Business Case is also now available to be viewed. The Business Case sets out the duplication of the Barton Highway between the Yass interchange and the ACT‑NSW border in a staged process.
The Barton Highway Duplication Business Case is available at: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development.
Construction on the upgrade is expected to commence in late 2020, and be completed by 2023, subject to planning approval.