$25 mil boost for Picton RdBY PAUL MCINERNEY07 Jun, 2010 08:26...

$25 mil boost for Picton Rd
BY PAUL MCINERNEY
07 Jun, 2010 08:26 AM
The Keneally government will spend an additional $25 million over the next three years upgrading the notorious Picton Rd.
Details of the much-needed funding and upgrade will be revealed in tomorrow's state budget, the Mercury learned.

This brings the total to be spent on the road to about $40 million, with the NSW Government having already committed $12 million to an upgrade of the road, matched by about $3 million from the Federal Government.

A jubilant Minister for the Illawarra, Paul McLeay, told the Mercury yesterday: "This is an important local project for the community and I am proud to announce the Keneally government will be delivering this upgrade work in the budget."

It is expected the additional funding will focus on safety improvements along the 27km stretch between Wollongong and the Hume Hwy, where 21 people have lost their lives over the past decade.

Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said the focus of the NSW budget will be on delivering better infrastructure and essential frontline services to families throughout the state.

"Premier Kristina Keneally and I have listened to the community about infrastructure projects that affect and improve people's lives as we prepare this important budget," Mr Roozendaal said.