The construction of AU$1.65bn Hunter Expressway, New South Wales, between the F3 and the New England Highway has been approved.

The construction of 40km dual carriageway focuses on reducing travel times and and will cater for growing traffic and cargo in the Hunter region.

The federal and state governments are investing $1.45bn and $200m, respectively.

The work on this project will start in 2010 and will be completed by 2013.