Labor leader Anthony Albanese and candidate Kristy McBain appeared in Murrumbateman to criticise the government's funding for the Barton Highway, which is used by more than 12,000 vehicles a day.

Mr Albanese said funding for the road each year had dropped under the Coalition to $1.7 million a year.

The Labor leader and candidate didn't promise new funding for the road, but called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to work with the NSW government to expedite the duplication of the road.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who also has responsibility for transport and regional development, hit back and said Mr Albanese's interest in the road was only related to the byelection.

Construction on duplication of the highway between Murrumbateman and the ACT is due to start by the end of the year, with funding provided by both the federal and NSW governments.

Mr McCormack said $150 million had been committed federally to the road.

Last year Labor promised $250 million for upgrades, a pledge repeated on Wednesday.

Nominations for Liberal preselection closed on Friday but the party is still in the process of vetting candidates and if a ballot of members is required expects to have finished the process by the end of next week.

Previous candidate Fiona Kotvojs has confirmed she has nominated and former Navy seaman Jerry Nockles and Pru Gordon from the National Farmers Federation have also been linked to tilts at the seat.