A Rankins Springs local has expressed outrage after learning that critical upgrades to the Mid-Western Highway won't begin until 2029, despite multiple fatal crashes on the route in recent years.

Jamie Parsons, who has been trying to contact Transport for NSW for several months about the deteriorating condition of the highway towards West Wyalong, finally received a response confirming that the Gullifers Pavement Rehabilitation project is scheduled to commence construction in the 2029-2030 financial year. He shared the response, as well as his outrage, on social media.

The project will cover a section of the Mid-Western Highway from 72.44 kilometres to 79.87 kilometres west of West Wyalong, heading towards Hay.

However, Parsons says this timeline is unacceptable given the road's dangerous condition and recent history of serious crashes.

"I find it disgraceful that several crashes including fatalities on the stretch of road between here and Erigolia have occurred in the past five years and I get complaints every day from travellers about that road, and nothing will be done for five years," Parsons said.

"The upgrade won't even cover the problem stretch just east of here."

According to Transport for NSW, they are actively expediting programmed works on the Mid-Western Highway between Hay and West Wyalong.

The department stated that a combination of shoulder widening, pavement rehabilitation, edge break treatments, and heavy patching are being prioritised in consideration of the road's condition.

However, for Parsons and other locals who travel the route daily, these assurances ring hollow when faced with a five-year wait for substantial improvements to what they describe as a dangerous stretch of highway.

The section of road between Rankins Springs and Erigolia has become notorious among regular travellers, with daily complaints about its poor condition.

Parsons reports receiving feedback from concerned motorists every single day about the state of the highway.

The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about regional road maintenance and safety across New South Wales.

While Transport for NSW has acknowledged the poor condition of this section of the Mid-Western Highway, the lengthy timeline until construction begins has left local residents frustrated and fearful for their safety. Parsons is now calling on the community to make their voices heard by contacting Transport for NSW directly. He has urged concerned motorists to email the department at [email protected] or report road problems through the official Transport NSW feedback portal.

"This isn't just about a rough road surface," Parsons said.

"This is about people's lives. Every day that goes by without proper maintenance is another day families are at risk driving this highway."

The Mid-Western Highway is a crucial regional route connecting communities across western New South Wales.

The delays in addressing known safety concerns have raised questions about how Transport for NSW prioritises regional road maintenance and whether enough is being done to prevent further tragedies on dangerous rural highways.

The Riverine Grazier and Back Country Bulletin has previously reported on the Bringagee Road, a stretch of road on the way to Griffith via the Murrumbidgee River Road. This stretch has had numerous accidents, near misses, and serious injury occur over many years, and has been mentioned in Griffith City Council meetings in regards to repair of the road for decades. It is slated for repair also in 2029, according to estimates.