Mr Johnsen said the NSW Government allocated $4 million last financial year with an additional $5 million allocated this year to continue planning for the proposed $85 million upgrade, funded through the Rebuilding NSW Plan.

“The highway is currently two lanes westbound and one lane eastbound at this particular section and unfortunately has a high crash rate near the Golden Highway intersection,” he said.

“In May 2015 the NSW Government announced a preferred option for the proposed upgrade.

“The proposed upgrade is expected to improve traffic, travel times and safety for around 22,000 vehicles a day by providing two travel lanes in each direction and a flyover for vehicles turning right from the Golden Highway towards Maitland and Newcastle.”

Mr Johnsen said an environmental assessment has been carried out to identify the potential impact of the proposal and activities to reduce them.

“Investigations found the work is not likely to have a significant impact on our local environment with a range of environmental mitigation and management measures put in place,” he said.

“I am proud to serve in a government that is delivering significant and ongoing upgrades to our local infrastructure, and we are committed to ensuring regional and rural motorists enjoy safe, high-quality roads.”

The community and stakeholders are reminded to provide feedback on the proposal before comments close at 2pm on Friday, July 28.

A project update and the proposal can be viewed on weekdays between 9am and 4.30pm until that date at the Singleton Service NSW Centre at 158 John Street, Singleton.

The environmental assessment and more information are also available online at www.rms.work/B2G