The Pacific Highway in Australia will be upgraded, following the decision of federal and state governments.

An additional amount of $60m is allocated for the upgrade of the entire road between Sydney and the New South Wales border, with an additional 7km section at Glenugie.

The project is a joint initiative with the Federal Government contributing $54m and the NSW Government is spending $6m.

Anthony Albanese, Federal Transport and Infrastructure minister, said: “The Glenugie project will be delivered using money that’s in addition to the record $2.45bn the Rudd Government is investing in the Pacific Highway through the Nation Programme.”

“We are investing more in the Pacific Highway than in any other road in the country, recognition of its significance to national economy.”

The work includes duplicating the highway with a clear central median to improve the road safety, and sealing of road shoulders.

The works will begin by the end of 2009 and is scheduled to complete by the end of 2011.