The government of Australia has granted $100m in funding for 13 upgrade projects on the Outback Way.

Outback Way is a 2,700km route crossing Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Federal minister for infrastructure and transport Darren Chester said: ““Around 210 kilometres of Outback Way will be sealed and widened by mid-2021, including 182 kilometres which is currently unsealed.”

The coalition government will provide up to 80%of the project cost, with the remaining to be provided by state and local governments.

“The 13 projects approved today have been identified as the highest priority sections across the route. The works to be undertaken will improve the reliability of the Outback Way, reduce travel times and costs to freight operators and improve access across the region while reducing the risk of accidents,” Chester added.