The NSW Government has committed $183.2 million to upgrade key regional roads, with works expected to improve conditions for communities across the Hunter as renewable energy construction accelerates.
The funding will support upgrades that make it safer and easier for both heavy vehicles and everyday road users to move across key corridors linking Newcastle to inland Renewable Energy Zones.
Improvements are focused on increasing road capacity and addressing known constraints, which are expected to reduce pressure on existing routes used by local residents, freight operators and industry.
Stronger connections between the Hunter and regional NSW
The program includes upgrades along routes connecting the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, reinforcing the Hunter’s role in supporting construction activity across the state.
Works along the Golden Highway and surrounding road network are designed to improve travel conditions for both project-related freight and general traffic moving between the Hunter and inland regions.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Josh Black said, “This significant investment in the Golden Highway will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the Dubbo Region, particularly when travelling to Newcastle and the Hunter.”
The upgrades are expected to improve safety and reliability for regular trips between regional centres and the Hunter.
Upper Hunter road network to see targeted improvements
In the Upper Hunter, planned works include upgrades at Rix’s Creek Bridge and the Liddell Interchange, as well as further planning between Muswellbrook and Armidale.
These locations are already experiencing increased demand due to the movement of renewable energy components through the region.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said, “As a key hub in the Upper Hunter, we’re seeing firsthand the increased demand on our local roads as large renewable energy components move through the region.”
He said the upgrades would help maintain safe and reliable access for the community while this activity continues.
Safer roads for communities and freight
The upgrades will address specific road limitations, including narrow sections, intersections and turning capacity. Planned works include widening, new turn lanes, improved drainage and changes to roadside infrastructure.
These changes are expected to improve safety for all users, including local traffic that shares routes with oversize and overmass vehicles.
Oversize transport will continue to be managed through planned routes and timing, typically travelling at night under escort to reduce disruption.
Investment recognises the role of regional communities
The funding is being directed to areas that are supporting the construction phase of renewable energy projects, with a focus on ensuring local communities benefit from lasting infrastructure improvements.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “These upgrades recognise a simple reality. Our regional communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future and for too long they’ve had to bear the brunt of the transition without the infrastructure to support it.”
The program is expected to leave improved road conditions in place beyond the construction phase, supporting ongoing regional connectivity and economic activity.
Long-term benefits for the Hunter
While the upgrades are tied to renewable energy delivery, the improvements are expected to benefit a wide range of road users across the Hunter, including local businesses, freight operators and residents travelling between towns.
For Newcastle and the broader Hunter region, the works reinforce existing transport links to inland NSW while improving safety and reliability along key corridors that are used every day.
“The Minns Labor Government’s renewable energy rollout is a generational, nation building, freight and logistics task,” said Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody.
“The Port of Newcastle is the only port on the East Coast of Australia capable of handling such a massive and complex operation, and as the entry point for these components, we recognise and welcome the unprecedented scale of works and investment the government is making to ensure the road network is equally ready.
“Recognising the critical role the Port of Newcastle will play in the government’s successful rollout, we are laser focused on ensuring the Port is capable and ready to receive the first REZ components in 2027.”
