Transport for NSW has kicked off a 10-month statewide spray-sealing program, using new tech that waterproofs road surfaces, improves grip in wet weather, and can extend the life of a road by up to 10 years. For regional drivers who know all too well how quickly heavy rain can chew up local roads, this is a welcome investment.
What’s being upgraded?
The program will roll out across more than 20 major state-managed road corridors, stretching from Broken Hill to Byron Bay — and importantly, across Southern NSW too, where we’ll see close to 100 kilometres upgraded.
That includes major routes many locals use often, such as:
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Moss Vale Road
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Illawarra Highway
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Hume Highway
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Princes Highway
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Appin Road
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Monaro Highway
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Snowy Mountains Highway
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Kosciuszko Road
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Federal Highway
Work in Southern NSW is scheduled to run October 2025 to April 2026.
These corridors play a huge role in connecting our communities — linking towns to jobs, schools, health services and tourism hubs. The upgrades aim to make them safer, more durable and more reliable, especially during major weather events.
Why spray sealing?
Instead of full road reconstruction (which is costly and time-consuming), spray sealing lays down a protective layer of hot bitumen and aggregate. It:
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prevents water from seeping in
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strengthens the road
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reduces potholes
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improves traction
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extends the road’s lifespan
It’s a win for safety, but also for keeping roads open and functional through wild weather — something regional NSW has struggled with in recent years.
Another boost on top of pothole repairs
This latest investment builds on the Government’s earlier $155 million pothole and road repair blitz, aimed at tackling some of the most damaged parts of the state road network, especially in regional areas.
With both programs combined, regional NSW will see one of the largest coordinated road repair efforts in years.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison called the project “smart investment,” saying it delivers safer, more reliable travel while avoiding the massive cost of full road rebuilds.
She emphasised that road upgrades aren’t just about transport — they’re about strengthening the communities who rely on them:
“These aren’t just roads – they’re lifelines connecting our regional communities to jobs, healthcare, education and each other.”
The NRMA has also welcomed the rollout, especially the government’s use of new technology to build more resilient roads.