The New South Wales government has announced further improved safety projects for truck drivers, unveiling a statewide $11.9 million improvement initiative to upgrade rest areas in the state’s south.
Five rest areas that cater to heavy vehicles have recently been completed at Berry Jerry rest area on the Sturt Highway, as well as Beckom, Bundure and the Marsden northbound and southbound rest areas on the Newell Highway.
The upgrades provided solar-powered lighting for the toilet blocks and surrounds to improve safety for all users, and new picnic shelters to allow truckies to take a short break.
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Transport for NSW also installed improved roadside signage at a number of service centres along the Hume, Sturt and Newell highways to assist heavy vehicle drivers to better identify rest stops.
“Driver fatigue is one of the top four contributing factors to fatal crashes on NSW roads, highlighting the importance of adequate rest and rest stop facilities for all drivers,” NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“The NSW government is working closely with, and listening to the road freight industry, as we improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops.”
The upgrades have been delivered as part of the governments $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program. Earlier this year, Transport also completed upgrades to Seven Trees and Curlwaa rest areas on the Silver City Highway and Bundjalung rest area on the Pacific Highway as part of the statewide program.
“These upgraded facilities will go a long way in supporting truck drivers to find safe and reliable areas to park, rest, and access services on what can be long trips in this part of the state,” NSW Labor spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence says.
“I’m pleased to be part of a government rolling out these investments in our regional communities.”
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