A $350,000 Australian Government investment will deliver important road safety improvements along River Road between the Great Western Highway and Lapstone Place at Emu Plains, helping reduce the risk of crashes and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.

The project is being funded through the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, which makes an important contribution to reducing the national road toll under the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.

The funding will deliver a package of safety improvements on River Road, including the installation of traffic calming measures, a raised median island, pedestrian fencing and linemarking.

These targeted infrastructure treatments are designed to address identified road safety risks and reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes at locations where crashes have occurred or where there is a demonstrated risk of crashes occurring.

The Australian Government provides up to 100 per cent funding for eligible projects under the Black Spot Program. Approximately $41 million is available for projects across NSW in the 2026–27 funding round.

Transport administers the Australian Government Black Spot Program in NSW on behalf of the Australian Government.

The River Road project will benefit communities across the Penrith and Macquarie electorates, providing safer conditions for people who live, work and travel through the Emu Plains area.

This funding is in addition to the Minns Labor Government investment in the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program. The next stage of the program is delivering practical improvements on state roads which are designed to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

Among the major upgrades to be delivered in Penrith are:

• A $5.9 million intersection and pedestrian safety upgrade on the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains, including new traffic signals, safer crossings and changes to reduce conflict points for drivers and pedestrians;
• $347,785 Station Street and Jane Street Penrith intersection; Project development for a raised safety platform for future safety improvements.

The investment from both the State and Federal governments recognises the importance of targeted, practical road safety measures in preventing crashes and protecting all road users.

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM, said:

“I have consistently advocated for practical road safety improvements across the Penrith electorate, and I am pleased that both the Federal and State Governments are delivering targeted upgrades to help prevent crashes, reduce trauma and save lives.”

“This investment reflects the concerns raised with me by local residents, drivers and pedestrians, and will deliver targeted safety upgrades that make a real difference for families and road users across our community.”

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, said:

“Year on year, Black Spot funding from the Federal government is helping improve safety on our roads and I’m pleased that River Road at Emu Plains is receiving these upgrades.”