An event celebrating formal completion of the Dunns Road Upgrade was held last week, after the road was reopened in full to motorists in late March 2024.

The event was attended by Senator Deborah O'Neill, in representation of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, the Hon Catherine King; the Hon Michael McCormack; Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout; staff and other valued stakeholders.

The Dunns Road Upgrade was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Wagga Wagga City Council, with an additional contribution from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program toward completion of the project.

The Hon Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for the Riverina, was a key supporter in securing funding for the project from the Australian Government in 2019.

The upgrades aimed to particularly address the increased traffic demands and safety issues stemming from Dunns Road becoming a popular shortcut over time for travellers heading into the city from the south.

With these concerns in mind, the project's key components included sealing of a 3.3km section of the road, an upgrade of the Olympic Highway and Dunns Road intersection, and construction of a new roundabout at the Holbrook Road and Dunns Road intersection.

These improvements have already improved the driving experience of those using the road as a direct route from the Olympic Highway to the southern suburbs of Wagga Wagga, the airport, and major sporting and recreational facilities.

Additionally, the revitalised infrastructure - which includes a reduction of traffic speeds to 60 kilometres per hour on the Dunns Road, Lloyd Road and Holbrook Road approaches - now enables the road to safely accommodate 1,000 vehicles per day.

Senator O’Neill noted in her capacity as the Duty Member for the Riverina that the completed upgrade of Dunns Road is a wonderful outcome the Government is proud to support.

“Wagga Wagga is a key hub for national agriculture, trade, military, sport, tourism and culture,” she stated, adding that “it is important that the Australian Government continues to support the development of its infrastructure.”

“This upgrade is vital for all who live in and drive through the region in terms of safety and employment. It has also directly boosted the local economy with an estimated 60 jobs created during the project.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout also emphasised the importance of the completed upgrade.

“The delivery of this final project milestone means residents and travellers in the Wagga Wagga area will now enjoy a significant improvement in their driving experience: namely in terms of safety, accessibility, and efficiency,” Cr Tout said.

“Increasing the safety and efficiency of traffic along Dunn’s Road has been a project of paramount importance for Wagga Wagga City Council.”