Heavy duty rest area takes shape

Foundation and pavement work have started on the Newell Highway’s newest heavy vehicle rest area, which will also be the largest of its kind in north-western NSW.

This project will be delivered as part of the $261 million Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades project which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

The Australian government is contributing $205.7 million, with the remaining $55 million being funded by the NSW government. This project is part of the Australian 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 providing for short and long-term parking,10 light vehicle and caravan parking spaces for short-term parking, toilet facilities, including disabled access, picnic shelter and solar lighting, rubbish bins, and tree planting and landscaping.

Located about 12 kilometres north of Narrabri, the new rest area is a key part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project that is currently being delivered and involves major upgrades to 20 kilometres of road between Narrabri and Moree.

The rest area is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said a well-functioning freight network is vital for economic prosperity, ensuring industries can thrive, supply chains remain resilient, and communities are connected.

“The Australian government is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of the freight sector and the people who work in it. Part of this is ensuring that drivers have safe and appropriate rest areas,” Ms King said.

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison expressed her gratitude to the freight industry for their comprehensive feedback, which is enabling the NSW government to deliver more facilities that will “truly support wellbeing and fatigue management of heavy vehicle drivers throughout NSW”.

“On a visit to this site … I was impressed with the scope of the works in tailoring around the needs of heavy vehicle drivers, as well as catering for light vehicles and other road users to manage fatigue on the Newell. It was also pleasing to see how the layout of this rest area will deliver a much safer alignment for the road,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Driver fatigue contributed to at least 20 per cent of heavy vehicle fatal crashes in regional NSW in the five years to December 2023. For the Newell Highway, fatigue is the highest contributing factor accounting for nearly 44 per cent of all heavy vehicle fatal crashes.

“For too long there has been a shortage of rest areas in north-western NSW and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing in new state-of-the-art facilities, which will reduce driver fatigue, improve road safety, and make journeys more comfortable for all drivers.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill and state Labor Duty MLC for Barwon Stephen Lawrence MLC have also welcomed progress on the development.

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the Newell Highway plays a vital role for freight movements, connecting communities and supporting tourism in the region.

“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,” Mr Butler said.

“Once completed, this rest area will provide drivers with more options, which will enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs.”

The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade, started by the previous Coalition governments, was previously described as the freight corridor’s largest ever upgrade.

“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,” Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said when the project’s contract was awarded in 2022.

Mr Coulton welcomed news that work had started on the heavy vehicle rest area.