In some positive road news for Cowra, the Lachlan Valley Way between Cowra and Yass is set to receive a significant $18,820,000 in upgrades as part of a $202,000,000 cash injection from the NSW Government for regional roads.

The upgrades will include things such as installation of roadside safety barriers, as well as clear zone and delineation improvements.

This latest round of funding has been provided under the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program.

Stephen Lawrence, the NSW Government Duty MLC for the electorates of Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Cootamundra, has welcomed the announcement that those four electorates will receive a total of $135.85 million in new funding to improve road safety.

“The NSW Government is investing an additional $135.85 million into western and southern region electorates. This will see three projects in Cootamundra, nine projects in Orange, nine projects in Bathurst and 17 projects in the Dubbo electorate delivered as part of this program," Mr. Lawrence said.

“These lifesaving road safety improvements include infrastructure upgrades at high-risk locations, so the improvements will happen in locations around our communities where they are needed most. The NSW Government is committed to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads and is rolling out this priority program as part of the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan.

“This investment is a strong push in the right direction to ensuring all drivers make it home safely to their loved ones every trip.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said of the funding -

“We know that regional NSW makes up a third of the NSW population but two thirds of deaths on our roads happen on country roads.

“With $202 million to target and improve safety on roads in our regional areas, lives will be saved. These upgrades will make our roads safer for all road users, locals and visitors, and this investment will go a long way towards achieving the goal of ensuring everyone gets home safely every time to their loved ones.”

Round two of the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program spans three years, including the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, with projects to receive the funding prioritised as needed.

For more information and the full project list for regional NSW visit https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/safesystem/safe-roads