A $261.1 million investment from the New South Wales and Federal Governments has enabled the delivery of three new overtaking lanes south of Moree, which are now providing safer and fast journeys for road users.
For drivers of the Newell Highway the upgrades are a welcome improvement, with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree, and a new northbound lane now open at Bellata.
The works are part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades, which are being delivered in four sections. Remaining activities include:
- The installation of a pedestrian refuge and turning lane, as well as switching on the remaining streetlights at Bellata
- Construction of north-west New South Wales’s largest heavy vehicle rest area north of Narrabri
- Improved pavement, culverts and two new overtaking lanes south of Edgeroi
The project will also upgrade 20km of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.
North of Narrabri, traffic has switched over to a recently finished section of highway, providing a safer and more comfortable drive for motorists.
The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades not only improves safety, it reduces future maintenance requirements and costs, improves the highway’s flood resilience and improves freight productivity and access to the Moree Special Activation Precinct.
Construction on these essential upgrades began in mid-2022 and has already created job opportunities for more than 940 people.
The Federal Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of a $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is proud to be working with its state counterparts by investing in the future of regional New South Wales.
“The $1.5 billion we’re investing in the Newell Highway will pay dividends for decades, ensuring this essential transport corridor will serve local motorists and the road freight industry alike,” Minister King said.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said that the Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.
“The opening of three new overtaking lanes is an important milestone for this highway upgrade project which will greatly improve the way people move around the state’s north-west,” Minister Aitchison said.
“The Federal and State Governments are pleased to be working together to improve road safety and reduce travel times for motorists who travel on this critical national highway.”
Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill, said that the Federal Government is investing in the road infrastructure which keeps freight moving and travellers safe.
“We’re partnering with the State Government to deliver projects that local communities need and deserve,” Senator O’Neill said.
