NSW roads minister unlocks another 278km of road for modern road trains, B-triples and AB-triples
October 22, 2012
The New South Wales Government has opened up an extra 278km of road to higher productivity trucks east of the Newell Highway.
Roads Minister Duncan Gay says B-triples, AB-triples, and modern road trains with tri-axle dollies and road-friendly suspension will now be able to use new routes in the Narrabri and Gwydir shires in the northwest of NSW.
The decision follows the Government’s move to allow modern road trains to travel on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri to the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards.
“Our policy is simple. If the road is safe enough, straight enough, strong enough and has the potential to enhance freight productivity in a region then the NSW Government will carefully consider allowing access to higher productivity trucks – albeit not in built-up residential areas,” Gay says.
The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is now working with the Inverell Shire Council to finalise the route assessment for the final 5km from the Gwydir Highway at Jardine Road to the Inverell Saleyards.
Operators must be accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme’s (NHVAS) maintenance module and obtain a permit to access the routes.
“On the eve of this year’s grain harvest, this is great news for farmers and transport operators wanting to access key grain facilities in what we call the ‘golden triangle’ of northwest NSW,” Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries says.
“These extra routes will also benefit numerous livestock carriers by providing greater access to the Bindaree Beef Abattoir, not to mention allowing growers to better access the cotton gin at Boggabri.”