Three new overtaking lanes south of Moree are now open thanks to a $261.1 million investment between the Australian and New South Wales governments, providing safer and more efficient road journeys.
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 $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.” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
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 NSW’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 20 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.
“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.” said NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison.
“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.”
North of Narrabri, traffic has switched over to a recently finished section of new highway, providing a safer and more comfortable drive for motorists.
The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades not only improves safety, but it also 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 Australian Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of an $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.