A new heavy vehicle rest area is taking shape along the Newell Highway, with foundation and pavement works now underway as a part of a state and federal jointly funded $261 million project.
This rest area is the largest of its kind in north-western NSW and involves major upgrades to 20 kilometres of road between Narrabri and Moree.
It is located about 12 kilometres north of Narrabri and is a key part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project that is currently being delivered.
State member for Barown Roy Butler says once this project is complete, drivers will be provided with more options which will enhance their safety and reduce maintenance costs.
“Currently, outside of Narrabri, motorists and heavy vehicle drivers face lengthy detours for rest areas with toilets – either having to travel 31 kilometres south to the Bohena Rest Area or 52 kilometres north to the Tookey Creek Rest Area,” he says.
“The Newell Highway provides a major interstate connection between Queensland, NSW and Victoria, and is vital for freight movements, connecting local communities and supporting tourism.”
The federal government is contributing $205.7 million, with the remaining $55 million being funded by the NSW government. This project is part of the federal government’s $1.5 billion total investment in the Newell Highway.
The new rest area will feature 18 heavy vehicle parking spaces up to 48.5 metres long provided for short and long-term parking, as well as 10 light vehicle and caravan parking spaces for short-term parking.
Toilet facilities, including disabled access, a picnic shelter, solar lighting, rubbish bins, tree planting and landscaping will be provided also.
NSW transport minister Jenny Aitchison says after visiting the site, she is impressed with the works in tailoring around the needs of heavy vehicle drivers as well as light vehicles, delivering facilities to support fatigue management.
“Driver fatigue contributed to at least 20 per cent of heavy vehicle fatal crashes in regional NSW in the five years to December 2023,” she says.
“For the Newell Highway, fatigue is the highest contributing factor accounting for nearly 44 per cent of all heavy vehicle fatal crashes.”
The project aims to improve access to facilities, enhance freight productivity and support economic development and is expected to be completed by early 2026.
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