NSW Transport Minister says infrastructure will play key role in economic rebuild

Critical construction and maintenance works across the NSW roads and transport network are being ramped up to keep people in jobs during COVID-19.

Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said transport infrastructure projects will be key to rebuilding the state’s economy after the pandemic.

“The NSW Government is pushing ahead with delivering $57.5 billion worth of transport infrastructure across the next four years, so it’s essential to keep moving during a time like this,” he said.

“Continuing work on critical transport infrastructure is great news for industry as thousands of jobs will be sustained in the coming months. This work will also provide significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors.”

According to Mr. Constance, crews are already taking advantage of the reduced number of cars on the roads to fast-track projects.

“Earlier this month, the M5 East Motorway was completely closed to fast track resurfacing work in the usually busy tunnels,” he said.

“This was a great result for drivers, as the work usually would have been carried out across a number of weeks at night.”

Mr. Constance said transport was also playing a vital role in providing services for essential travel and keeping the supply chain moving, as NSW navigates the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

“The freight network has been incredibly busy in the past few weeks, delivering supplies and materials to hundreds of locations. People are relying on us to keep road and rail routes open so we can get food to supermarkets and important medical supplies to hospitals and medical centres across the state,” Mr. Constance said.

“This has been a very tough time for the people of NSW and it is crucial we keep our transport network moving for those who need to carry out essential travel.”

The main priority for Transport for NSW, Mr. Constance said, is ensuring the health and safety of all customers and staff.

“I also want to pay special tribute to our front line workers who are keeping services running for those who can’t work from home or need to access essential services,” he said.

“We do not underestimate the importance of a safe public transport and road network at a time like this and we will continue to work with all levels of government to deliver just that.”