The NSW government has committed $37.5 million to upgrade more than 470 kilometres of state-managed roads through a new spray-sealing program aimed at improving safety, reliability and resilience across regional NSW.
Transport for NSW is delivering the 10-month initiative across more than 20 state road corridors, stretching from Broken Hill to Byron Bay and as far south as Eden. Works began this month and are scheduled to run until June 2026.
Spray sealing involves applying a layer of hot bitumen and aggregate to the road surface, creating a waterproof barrier that protects against rain damage and enhances grip in all weather conditions.
Authorities say the treatment can extend the life of regional roads by up to 10 years, preventing potholes and reducing the need for costly reconstructions.
The program builds on the government’s earlier $155 million pothole and road repair blitz, underscoring a shift toward long-term, preventative maintenance.
Additionally, the program is targeting some of NSW’s most critical freight and community routes, chosen for their role in connecting major population centres and economic hubs:
- Western NSW ($25m, 300km+): Including the Newell, Mitchell, Castlereagh and Barrier highways.
- Southern NSW ($8.38m, ~100km): Covering the Hume, Princes and Monaro highways, among others.
- Northern NSW ($4.5m, 70km): Including the New England and Gwydir highways.
NSW Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison says the upgrades will deliver safer, more reliable travel for regional families and operators.
“These aren’t just roads – they’re lifelines connecting our regional communities to jobs, healthcare, education and each other,” she says.
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury welcomed the commitment, highlighting the use of modern technology.
“This is an important step in building safer and more resilient roads,” he says.
“The spray-sealing method will help regional motorists and freight operators alike.”
Authorities say the upgrades will benefit freight operators, farmers, the tourism industry and local businesses that rely on reliable regional corridors to transport goods and services