The Australian Government has agreed to invest $50 million in the State Budget to upgrade the Barton Highway in Canberra in order to boost freight productivity and improve access to coastal ports and Canberra Airport.

State Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey said the 50km highway connects the central and southwest regions of the state to Canberra. “Up to 12,500 vehicles use this road each day and will have more efficient and safer Access to services outside of the Yass Valley,” she said.

The money, to be spent over the coming four years, will provide a new, two-lane carriageway for the highway.