A new tranche of funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is set to improve the safety and resilience of regional freight routes across New South Wales, with a strong focus on local roads that underpin agricultural, construction and resource supply chains.
The latest NSW projects prioritise road realignments, shoulder sealing, strengthened bridges and upgraded intersections, many of which form the critical first and last mile between regional producers and the state’s arterial freight network.
Among the 16 funded projects is a $5 million contribution to replace the Grawin Creek Bridge on the Gwydir Highway near Collarenebri, removing load limits that have historically restricted heavy vehicle freight access.
Another key project, with $5 million allocated to seal sections of Cookamidgera Road, will deliver a fully sealed link that supports agricultural freight movements between Parkes and surrounding communities.
A further $5 million will go towards designing and upgrading sections of the Clarence Way between Bonalbo and Urbenville, enhancing connectivity for commercial traffic.
For freight operators, these local connections often determine whether higher productivity vehicles can be deployed efficiently, particularly during harvest periods or after severe weather. Improving pavement strength, flood resilience and road geometry helps reduce detours, unplanned downtime and permit complexity.
A significant proportion of the NSW projects will be delivered by local councils, highlighting the growing role of local government in maintaining freight-capable infrastructure despite rising construction costs and asset backlogs.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain says the funding would help make roads safer.
“It’s great to see 16 projects across NSW receive funding that will ensure safer, smoother journeys,” McBain says. “We recognise that regional councils often need additional financial support to assist with meeting rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather.
While each project is locally driven, the program’s broader objective is consistent: to keep freight moving when conditions deteriorate and to reduce the risk of communities being cut off during floods, bushfires, or major incidents.
For regional NSW, these upgrades represent incremental but meaningful improvements that support safer heavy vehicle movements, improve supply chain reliability and reduce long-term maintenance pressures on councils managing freight-exposed assets.