A $70 million upgrade of Gocup Road is providing improved safety, reduced travel times and better freight efficiency along the 31-kilometre link.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the five-year upgrade was delivered through a series of separate road projects resulting in 85 per cent of the road’s total length being upgraded.
“Gocup Road links the Snowy Mountains Highway at Tumut and the Hume Highway at Gundagai and provides a vital connection between Sydney and Melbourne,” Ms Cooke said.
“This major upgrade involved straightening the road to remove dangerous curves, 23 kilometres of reconstructed road, 21 kilometres of widened road, two new overtaking lanes, and installing nine kilometres of safety barriers.
“This is an important road for the timber industry and these upgrades will provide increased safety and improvements in productivity for truck drivers.
“Car drivers will be able to enjoy the benefits of a road with fewer bends and dangerous curves, providing a safer journey with reduced travel time.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the project was providing a safer, smoother journey for all road users and improved access for the freight industry.
“Our freight operators are the backbone of NSW. They move produce and product from paddock to port and to plate, and we recognise that they keep our State moving,” Mr Toole said.
“We understand the challenges facing the industry and are working hard to deliver upgrades to our road network, which best meet current and future demands.
“The use of Gocup Road by freight has been increasing over the years as it plays a vital role in supporting regional economic development in the area, including the local timber and milling industry.
“We are committed to ensuring all road users who set off on a journey along Gocup Road make it home safer and sooner to their families.”
For more information about the project, visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/south-western/gocup-road/index.html
