$250 million granted to upgrade Sydney’s Mona Vale Road

Motorists heading to Sydney’s northern beaches will soon get some relief from traffic congestion. The Albanese government has announced $250 million in federal funding to widen a key section of Mona Vale Road. This project will upgrade a 3.4-kilometer stretch between McCarrs Creek Road in Terrey Hills and Powder Works Road in Ingleside. The road will be expanded from two to four lanes, helping to ease traffic during peak hours. The funding details will be revealed in the federal budget on Tuesday. The previous Coalition government had set aside $340 million for this upgrade to improve travel times and reduce congestion. Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King highlighted the importance of starting this work soon. She praised local MPs for their efforts to support the project. Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps, both independents, criticized the state government for delaying the upgrade. They urged the state to restore funding for the project. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison welcomed the federal investment. She noted the state is facing budget pressures but committed to collaborating with the federal government. However, she did not clarify whether the state would match the federal funding or when construction might start. Transport for NSW officials mentioned that they currently have only $5.5 million from the state budget for design work on this western section. The design is expected to be finished soon. Recently, the state government completed a $140 million upgrade on an eastern part of Mona Vale Road.