$25 mil boost for Picton Rd

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.The announcement of the Picton Rd spending package comes just days after the Treasurer was accused by Liberal upper house MP John Ajaka of fobbing off concerns about Picton Rd.Last Thursday, Mr Roozendaal declined to answer questions about whether the budget contained any funding for the road.Mr Ajaka said Mr Roozendaal's rebuttal showed a "complete lack of foresight or caring" and was an "insult to users of the road".The State Opposition has pledged a further $10 million to install barriers on the road's most dangerous section, contingent on federal funding.But it will now be under pressure to match Labor's funding package.Meanwhile, NSW Roads Minister David Borger said work will start today on the new police enforcement bay on Picton Rd, immediately west of the existing heavy vehicle rest area.The project is being delivered by the RTA, and was developed in consultation with NSW south-west regional Police.The enforcement bay will enable police to stage major enforcement operations."This will significantly increase the ability of police on the western end of Picton Rd," Mr Borger said of the work."It will provide a new area for police to conduct safe enforcement operations - which will improve driver behaviour and road safety."Police will be able to run a variety of operations from the bay, including targeting speeding, drink driving, seatbelt use."