New Golden Hwy overtaking lane proposed to be built at Merriwa NSW

A new overtaking lane on the Golden Highway at Merriwa is being proposed to be built, with the New South Wales Government allocating $23.7 million towards the project as part of its election commitment. 

Transport for NSW is calling on the community to have their say on the proposed location of the overtaking lane. Feedback can be submitted online or by emailing Merriwa@transport.nsw.gov.au. 

The new westbound overtaking lane will be constructed about 12 kilometres west of Merriwa, and it will help improve safety, support freight efficiency and provide road users a safer, more predictable journey across one of the State’s important regional east-west corridors. 

The site was chosen as it offered the best safety and traffic benefits, including: 

• Operational benefits – the site is located on an uphill section with overtaking continuing just over the nearby hill. This provides safer and more efficient travel allowing slower heavy vehicles to be overtaken on the climb 

• No property acquisition – the overtaking lane can be built entirely within the existing road corridor, meaning no private property needs to be acquired 

• Better construction outcomes – the design will improve road safety features such as sight lines and drainage and allows for a more efficient construction process 

“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. 

“The Golden Highway is 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. 

“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,” Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Proposed location for the new overtaking lane (source: Transport for NSW)

The project is moving into the final concept design stage, and Transport for NSW will continue to develop the design and environmental assessment. 

The Minns Labor Government is putting the Hunter region back at the heart of the State’s economic map, with renewed investment to support freight, agriculture and the thousands of motorists who rely on this route each day. 

The $23.7 million funding for this project includes $12 million that was announced during the 2023 election campaign with the remaining $11.7 million allocated in the 2025-26 NSW Budget. 

This investment builds on the more than $133 million jointly committed by the New South Wales and Australian Governments to improve the Golden Highway between Newcastle and Dubbo. 

“The Hunter is the economic engine room of this state, and for too long that reality was ignored. This project is proof that the Minns Labor Government is listening to communities, backing critical local infrastructure and getting on with the job. 

“The upgrades to the Golden Highway will not only improve safety but keep our regional supply chains delivering for our great state. 

“Labor said we would deliver for the Hunter, and this is another clear example of us following through on that promise,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. 

“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. 

“This upgrade is good for safety, good for freight and good for local families who use this road every single day. It will also 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,” NSW Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW (1, 2)