Premier Dominic Perrottet says the federal government's $100 million pledge to upgrade one of NSW's most notoriously dangerous roads is a "great day" for the state.
The Bells Line of Road, which connects Richmond in north-west Sydney to Bell in the Blue Mountains, provides an alternative to the Great Western Highway but is considered one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country.
The steep, winding road has an accident rate that's higher than the state average, and was heavily impacted by extreme weather last year and record rainfall.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said given the importance of the road, the federal government would spend $100 million on safety upgrades, such as overtaking lanes and road widening.
"Anyone who travels along this road knows that it's winding, knows that it's narrow, knows it needs additional safety improvements," he said.
"And importantly, at times of crisis, bushfires, floods … when you have this road cut off what you are doing is cutting off emergency services from where they need to get to."
Last year the road closed for months following a massive landslide. It's often also forced to close due to black ice.
Mr Perrottet, who has previously criticised federal governments for their lack of infrastructure investment in New South Wales, welcomed today's announcement.
"I've always sat there and advocated for further funding," he said.
"I've long said that New South Wales stands on its own two feet when it comes to infrastructure investment but we should not be penalised.
"Today is a great day for our state."
Last year Mr Perrottet criticised what he called a long history of federal governments skimping on investment into NSW.
"NSW always seems to do poorly when it comes to federal government investment at budget time. That is a historical fact," he said when committing to raise the Warragamba Dam wall.
In 2012, the state and federal governments made a long-term plan to improve the Bells Line of Road, and since then seven new overtaking lanes and wider sealed shoulders at three sites were introduced.
Transport for NSW continues to undertake repair work on the road following the extreme weather last March.
The Bells Line of Road is an important arterial route for primary producers and tourists, with weekend traffic around 60 per cent higher than weekday traffic.
It is considered a secondary route to the Great Western Highway, which is set to be upgraded this year.
That project has been slated to be jointly funded by the federal and state governments in an 80/20 funding split.
NSW has so far committed $411.2 million, but is still waiting on the federal government to contribute.
