At the 2016 Federal Election, the Australian Government committed $50 million to the Barton Highway under the Infrastructure Investment Program. This commitment included funding for three short term priorities identified in the Barton Highway Improvement Strategy developed by the New South Wales (NSW) Government in 2017. These priorities included funding for a business case to recommend staging and costings for full duplication of the Highway.
The Barton Highway Duplication Business Case PDF: 1115 KB (the Business Case) was developed in partnership with the NSW Government. The Yass Valley Council also provided oversight and strategic direction in the development of the Business Case, ensuring the local community’s views were represented.
The Business Case identifies a staged approach to delivery as the most cost effective option for the Highway’s current and future capacity requirements between the ACT-NSW border and Murrumbateman. The staged approach to duplication will support current and future traffic demands through the delivery of safety improvements and increased capacity.
Duplication of the Barton Highway will have numerous benefits for all road users and local communities through reduced travel times, improved regional connectivity and significant road safety improvements.
The Australian Government has also committed an additional $100 million for the Highway under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative at the 2018-19 Federal Budget. In addition, the NSW Government committed $50 million for the duplication, and intersection and safety upgrades of the Barton Highway. The Business Case informs priorities for use of this funding.
The Australian Government is working with the NSW Government to progress the staged duplication of the Barton Highway.
About the Barton Highway
The Barton Highway is a strategically important rural highway linking the southern areas of NSW to the ACT. It spans 52 kilometres from the ACT-NSW border to the Hume Highway at Yass.
The Highway provides essential connections for the Yass Valley and Hilltops Local Government Areas to access employment, business and education opportunities in the ACT.
Click map for larger version