The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to make the Golden Highway safer and more reliable, progressing a $23.7 million upgrade at Merriwa after more than a decade of inaction from the former government.
The new westbound overtaking lane, to be built around 12 kilometres west of Merriwa, will improve safety, support freight efficiency and give road users a safer, more predictable journey across one of regional NSW's most important east-west corridors.
For 12 long years the Liberal-National Government failed to deliver the safety improvements communities along the Golden Highway desperately needed, leaving residents of the Upper Hunter languishing.
The Minns Labor Government is putting the Hunter back at the centre of the state's economic map, with renewed investment to support freight, agriculture and the thousands of motorists who rely on this route every day.
This $23.7 million commitment includes $12 million announced during the 2023 election campaign and a further $11.7 million allocated in the 2025-26 NSW Budget.
The investment builds on the more than $133 million jointly invested by the NSW and Australian Governments to improve the Golden Highway between Newcastle and Dubbo.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the proposed overtaking lane location at: .
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"The Hunter is the economic engine room of this state, and for too long that reality was ignored. This project is proof that the Minns Labor Government is listening to communities, backing critical local infrastructure and getting on with the job.
"The upgrades to the Golden Highway will not only improve safety but keep our regional supply chains delivering for our great state.
"Labor said we would deliver for the Hunter, and this is another clear example of us following through on that promise."
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"For too long, regional communities like Merriwa were left waiting for the basic safety upgrades they needed and deserved. Today's announcement shows clearly that under the Minns Government, the regions are no longer an afterthought.
"The Golden Highway is a lifeline for the Hunter, carrying grain, resources, livestock, local industry and families. This upgrade is about keeping people safe on the road, reducing frustration and giving heavy vehicles and motorists the room they need to travel confidently.
"This is what delivery looks like: a government honouring its commitments, investing in the future of regional NSW and giving the Hunter the fair share it was denied for 12 years."
NSW Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:
"The Upper Hunter has been crying out for safer overtaking opportunities on this steep section of the highway. I'm proud the Minns Labor Government is delivering the long-overdue investment our community deserves.
"This upgrade is good for safety, good for freight and good for local families who use this road every single day. It will also help the region meet the future demands of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
"This is a significant win for the community, and I look forward to seeing the project progress."
