Contract awarded for upgrade of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree

The contract for a $261 million upgrade of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree has been awarded, marking the next step in what has been described as the freight corridor’s largest ever upgrade.

Fulton Hogan was selected through a competitive tender process to carry out 27.3 kilometres of heavy-duty pavement upgrades along four priority sections of road.

Section one of the project is 6.5 kilometres north of Narrabri, section two is 17.7km north of Narrabri, section three takes in the highway at Bellata and section four will see upgrades south of Moree.

State and federal parliamentarians were joined by local government leaders for the contract announcement near Moree on Wednesday morning.

Construction on the Newell Highway upgrade is set to start in mid-2022. The Australian government has committed $205.7 million towards the jointly funded $261.17 million project, with the NSW government contributing the remainder.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project would improve connectivity for all road users, particularly freight operators.

“This upgrade will provide significant benefits to motorists travelling inland between Queensland and Victoria,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The Australian government is committed to investing in safer and more productive regional roads as part of our record $110 billion, nationwide infrastructure plan.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this is an exciting project for the Narrabri and Moree communities and will help the region take advantage of Inland Rail which is steaming ahead.

“This section of the Newell Highway is located within one of the most productive agricultural regions in Australia, so it’s critical that this road is up to scratch to ensure our farmers can more efficiently get their product to market while improving safety and efficiency for all road users,” Mr Coulton said.

Mr Coulton said the project was one of many infrastructure projects currently underway in the region.

“We’ve already delivered the jointly funded $122 million upgrades along the Newell Highway from Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla, which saw extensive local employment and valuable Indigenous participation,” Mr Coulton said.

“We’re also delivering the $44 million Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade and the $7.75 million Northern NSW Inland Port at Narrabri, which are due to be completed next year, as well as the jointly funded Moree Intermodal Overpass, connecting the Newell Highway and Inland Rail.

“In addition, work on the Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail is progressing well.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the work to be carried out by Fulton Hogan would focus on building the new sections of road, as well as five new overtaking lanes, two new heavy vehicle rest areas, intersection upgrades and multiple new bridge-sized culverts, including at Clarks Gully.

Work on the heavy-duty pavement upgrades between Narrabri and Moree are expected to commence in June 2022 and be completed in late 2025.