Golden Highway upgrade near Merriwa gets $23.7m boost for new overtaking lane

newy.com.au – The Minns Labor Government has announced a $23.7 million safety upgrade to the Golden Highway near Merriwa, confirming on Thursday 20 November 2025 plans for a new westbound overtaking lane in the Upper Hunter.

The project is being promoted by the government as a key step in improving safety and reliability on one of regional NSW’s main east–west freight and passenger corridors, used daily by heavy vehicles, farmers and local families. Ministers say the upgrade delivers on an election commitment after what they describe as more than a decade of inaction on basic safety improvements.

The new overtaking lane is planned about 12 kilometres west of Merriwa and is designed to improve safety, support freight efficiency and provide more predictable journeys for motorists travelling through this steep section of the highway. The government says the works will give drivers, including heavy vehicle operators, safer opportunities to pass slower traffic.

The $23.7 million package includes $12 million announced during the 2023 election campaign, with a further $11.7 million allocated in the 2025–26 NSW Budget. The Minns Government says the investment adds to more than $133 million jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments to improve the Golden Highway between Newcastle and Dubbo.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the announcement reflected a renewed focus on the region’s economic role and transport needs. “The Hunter is the economic engine room of this state, and for too long that reality was ignored,” Ms Catley said. “This project is proof that the Minns Labor Government is listening to communities, backing critical local infrastructure and getting on with the job.”

Ms Catley said the Golden Highway works would support both safety and industry. “The upgrades to the Golden Highway will not only improve safety but keep our regional supply chains delivering for our great state,” she said. “Labor said we would deliver for the Hunter, and this is another clear example of us following through on that promise.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison used the announcement to draw a contrast with the former Liberal–National Government’s record, saying regional communities had waited too long for basic safety upgrades. “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,” Ms Aitchison said.

She described the Golden Highway as “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,” she said. “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 community had been calling for safer overtaking opportunities on the route. “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,” Ms Suvaal said.

“This upgrade is good for safety, good for freight and good for local families who use this road every single day,” she said, adding that it would 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.”

Concept designs and vision for the project have been released, and Transport for NSW is inviting community members to provide feedback on the proposed overtaking lane location by emailing Merriwa@transport.nsw.gov.au
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