One of Australia’s busiest highways, the Newell, is to have a major upgrade from Narrabri to Moree.

The construction work will provide business and job opportunites locally, Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said.

Mr Coulton anticipated local businesses could be involved in the project.

“The Australian government and NSW governments will jointly fund Stage 1 of the $257 million Newell Highway Narrabri to Moree heavy duty pavements upgrade, which will cut travel times for all road users, as well as improve freight productivity, safety and flood immunity.

“As well as building major new sections of road, the work will include five new overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades and installation of many new large culverts to improve access along the road even after heavy and sustained rainfall.

“The federal government is contributing $205.7 million to these upgrades, which will ensure that the freight backbone of our state can meet the needs of motorists and freight vehicles, while providing opportunities for local and regional contractors to benefit from this project.

“I know how much this project means to these communities, so I’m calling on local business operators to learn more about the project before it goes to tender mid-year,” Mr Coulton said.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said businesses and suppliers were invited to find out more about how they can be part of the coming opportunities.

“This is an opportunity for local businesses in the Narrabri and Moree regions to be involved in what will be a major infrastructure project which will improve access and freight efficiency along the Newell and to the future Moree Special Activation Precinct and Northern NSW Inland Port at Narrabri.”

Early work on the project started in June 2020, involving water main relocations at Bellata.

The tender for the main construction contract is expected to be called later this year with work set to start in early 2022.

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