On Monday Mr Ward fired a shot at his federal counterparts, saying Prime Minister Tony Abbott should “get his cheque book out and start investing in the Princes Highway”.

Mr Ward said the federal government “had not put in one red cent towards work on the Princes Highway”.

“To date we have had nothing from the federal government for the Gerringong or Berry upgrades, or this project,” he said.

“If Abbott wants to be the infrastructure prime minister he needs to get his cheque book out and start investing in the Princes Highway.”

Mrs Sudmalis responded on Tuesday, accusing Mr Ward of being irresponsible and incorrect.

“This is because in stark contrast to Mr Ward’s accusation, in less than 18 months since I was first elected I can point to a proud record of delivery for our local Princes Highway,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

“Firstly I have delivered $10 million in federal funding for the replacement Nowra Bridge, almost seven times more than the NSW government has so far allocated to this crucial project.”

Mr Ward countered on Tuesday afternoon.

“I reject the assertion I have been irresponsible. If Mrs Sudmalis wants a reminder of what’s been achieved, she can drive between Gerringong and Nowra and see what work has been done.

“If that is what she sees as irresponsible, she wants her head read. I will not stop arguing for funds for the Princes Highway and I welcome the support of anyone but what counts is action, not words.”

After issuing the release in which Mrs Sudmalis accused Mr Ward of being irresponsible, her office issued an "updated" version with the accusation removed. By that time, the story had gone to press. 

The exchange began as Mr Ward announced the awarding of the tender to carry out detailed design work between Berry and Bomaderry, to Hyder Consulting.

NSW Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay and Mr Ward announced the contract had been awarded on Monday with the proposed upgrade of the highway between Schofields Lane at Berry and Cambewarra Road at Bomaderry to provide around 11.5 kilometres of divided highway, with two lanes in each direction.

Mr Gay said the tender announcement was a significant step towards the proposed upgrade.

“Tenders were invited in early November from a pre-qualified list and closed in early December,” Mr Gay said.

“I’m delighted we can now get on with the final design, which is a huge step for this much needed upgrade.”

Mr Ward said the final design was expected to be completed by early 2016.

“The NSW government allocated $10 million to this project last year to progress planning for the upgrade,” he said.

“The project has made great progress in the past 12 months with a public display of environmental assessment and the concept design.

“The concept design is now being finalised and will be available for the community to view in early 2015.”

Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese weighed into the row.

"Unlike the federal Coalition, the former Labor government promised, funded, and delivered projects like the Bega Bypass on the Princes Highway, a project which was fully funded by the federal Labor government at a cost of $60 million.

"All the federal Coalition can say is that the Black Spots funding committed by the former Labor government has been continued. Meanwhile, they have cut local government funding to every council.

"No wonder their state Coalition colleagues think they’re hopeless," he said.