Milestone for $261 million Newell Highway project

The region’s largest heavy vehicle rest area, north of Narrabri on the Newell Highway, officially opened to the public on Monday.

Despite the stubborn wind, the unveiling brought a great celebration with members from Transport NSW, Narrabri Shire Council and the federal government coming together for the morning.

After cutting the ribbon to officially open the area, there was then a cake cutting and tree planting, conducted by Narrabri Shire Council mayor Darrell Tiemens and WA Senator Glenn Sterle.

There was even the chance for everyone to witness the first heavy vehicle turn into the truck car park.

The new Spring Creek rest area provides short and long-term heavy vehicle parking for up to 18 vehicles. As well as separate parking for light vehicles and vehicles with caravans or trailers in tow.

There are basic amenities provided in the rest area, including two flushable toilets with disabled access, picnic shelters and bins.

The whole area is illuminated at night with solar lighting to increase safety and more than 500 trees have been planted in the vicinity to provide shade.

This element is just one part of a massive three-year project, the Narrabri to Moree Newell Highway upgrade, with now all sections of the highway open to drivers.

The jointly funded Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade was made possible with a $205.73 million investment by the federal government and a $55.44 million state government contribution.

Senator for WA Glenn Sterle expressed how passionate he is in making sure truckies and all drivers, for that matter, have access to facilities, including rest areas.

“As a former truck driver and current chair of the Albanese government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, I am very proud to see this investment from both the federal and NSW government.

“The sheer size of this project, including how many drivers it will accommodate, should serve as a blueprint for large scale heavy vehicle rest stops in other regional areas across Australia.

“I commend both the Albanese and Minns’ governments on their vision for this project and their commitment to improving conditions for our essential truckies.”

The project spanned more than 20 kilometres along this important regional freight route. The upgrades have included intersection improvements, widened road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes, creating a safer and more efficient journey for all drivers.

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison is proud of this great investment and showed her gratitude to residents of the area and commuters for their patience.

“This Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project completion is an incredible achievement and a credit to our Transport for NSW team, lead contractor Fulton Hogan and the residents and commuters of the area who showed great patience throughout the past three years,” Ms Aitchison said.

“The jointly funded program has reached this milestone despite crews needing to battle extreme weather, floods and bushfires.

“A highlight of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade program has been a focus on employing local staff, providing not only a significant boost to local infrastructure but also a massive injection to the local economy.

“The NSW government values the safe, sustainable and productive movement of freight throughout the vastness of the state.

“Acknowledging the difficulties heavy vehicle drivers face when finding a safe and reliable area to rest, park, and access services.”

Crews working on the upgrades between Narrabri and Moree have used 3900 cubic metres of structural concrete, 8900 tonnes of asphalt, 700 tonnes of structural steel and 575,000 tonnes of pavement material and gravel and moved 100,400 cubic metres of earth.

Despite losing 118 days of work during the three-year project due to bad weather, the project has remained on track throughout.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler is happy to see this project completed and bringing many benefits to the community.

“The Newell Highway is a major transport artery running from Queensland down through central NSW, much of it through Barwon, down to Victoria. It is fantastic to see the completion of these upgrades to the highway, which will significantly increase safety and improve the efficiency of this vital roadway,” Mr Butler said.

“One of the impressive things about the upgrade was that it has put money into the local economy, by using than 60 local businesses to supply goods and services, from water and equipment to accommodation and catering.

“There was also an emphasis on Aboriginal employment and business engagement. The project has brought a range of benefits to the local community and will continue to be of benefit to all who rely on the highway.

While major construction work has been completed, some minor work remains including fencing and installation of guard rail and signage, as well as applying the final seal to the upgraded areas in early 2026.