Works to commence soon on Sturt Highway upgrade at Wagga Wagga

Works to upgrade a 1.8-kilometre section of the Sturt Highway on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD will commence on 4 March. 

The $13.9 million project will include completely rebuilding the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides alongside lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes. These changes will deliver a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes while also providing a safer and more comfortable journey for all road users. 

“The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia. 

“It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route, especially Wagga Wagga, to enable customers to access goods, services and employment. 

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be investing in building a better section of highway in Wagga Wagga and we want to thank the community in advance for its patience and understanding while this work is carried out for the long-term benefit of all who live, work and visit the area,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Meanwhile on the northern and southern sides of the highway, shoulders will be provided for cyclists. 

The first stage of the project will cover the section of Sturt Highway between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road, with works on this section expected to take 11 weeks to complete. 

Stage two of the upgrade, which will cover the section from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road, is due to be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year. 

With this location being a high traffic area, Transport for NSW is planning to carry out works with as few impacts as possible. All work will be delivered under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. In addition, detours around the work area will be in place at various stages of the project. 

Most of the works will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work also planned. 

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic control and signage. 

“These works, coupled with the work now underway to redevelop the Marshalls Creek Bridge, are welcome improvements that will deliver a safer, smoother Sturt Highway for thousands of users every day. 

“I acknowledge Transport for NSW’s efforts to liaise with businesses in the area and urge them to maintain that focus on reducing construction impacts, especially in Lawson Street during the closure period. 

“The works will cause some disruptions so I appreciate the patience of residents and motorists during a construction process that will cause inconvenience but will also deliver improvements that have been identified as important to the community. 

“A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future,” Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Transport for NSW