JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The backbone of New South Wales’ freight network, the Newell Highway, is set to get 10 new overtaking lanes with $60 million in additional Australian Government funding announced as part of the recent Federal Budget.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new overtaking lanes will improve the safety and the efficiency of the key freight and tourism corridor.
“The NSW Government has committed to building 30 new overtaking lanes as part of the Newell Highway upgrade and with the Australian Government’s $60 million injection, we are ensuring even more lanes can be delivered quickly and efficiently,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“These lanes will be built along the length of the highway, ensuring improved road safety right across our region.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the extra lanes will improve freight productivity and make journeys faster and safer for all motorists.
“We’ve already delivered 12 new overtaking lanes along the Newell since March last year, with another five on track for completion before the end of the year,” Mr Toole said.
“The additional funding means a total of 40 overtaking lanes will now be built, further transforming journeys along this busy highway, wiping another eight minutes off journey times from border to border for a total of 33 minutes of travel time savings.”
Mr Toole said four new overtaking lanes will soon be built through the Riverina, south of Ardlethan and just north of Grong Grong.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new lanes would support up to 130 jobs at a time they were needed the most, with priority going to local suppliers and contractors as part of the Newell Highway Program Alliance.
“These new lanes will allow motorists to overtake trucks and other slow moving vehicles safely along this straight stretch of road which carries a lot of heavy vehicle traffic, improving safety and travel times,” Ms Cooke said.
Work started near the Firetail rest area on Wednesday 4 November, with work near Landervale Road set to begin from Tuesday 17 November.
“The two projects will be carried out concurrently and with weather permitting they are on track for completion in about seven months which is great news for the region,” Ms Cooke said.
“This will have a positive impact for primary producers, the mining and tourism industry that rely heavily on the Newell Highway to move freight and transport visitors.”
For more information, visit nswroads.work/nhpa
