Gwydir Highway road surface upgrade works now underway

Work to upgrade the road surface along a section of the Gwydir Highway west of Moree have started, with motorists advised to expect changed traffic conditions for several months.

The project will involve improvements to up to 5.2 kilometres of highway about 53 kilometres west of Moree and forms the second stage of a program of upgrades that began last year at Browns Creek.

According to Transport for NSW executive director partnerships and integration west Damien Pfeiffer, the work will build on earlier upgrades that included road widening, pavement improvements and culvert repairs.

“The Gwydir Highway is a significant east-west link for northern NSW and this work will make the road safer for all users while reducing ongoing maintenance costs,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“Locals, tourists and freight operators are already reaping the benefits of the first stage of work that was completed last year and this second stage of work is further investment by the state government into regional NSW.”

Crews will carry out road widening, pavement upgrades and minor drainage improvements along the section of highway, with further pavement work planned in the Browns Creek area in coming years subject to program priorities.

The second stage of the Browns Creek upgrades is funded under the NSW government’s Flexible Pavement Rehabilitation program, aimed at improving travel efficiency and safety, reducing maintenance costs and strengthening the road network during extreme weather events.

Work started on Monday, March 9, and is expected to take about four months to complete, weather permitting.

Work will take place from 7am to 5pm on weekdays and on alternate weekends. During these times motorists can expect single-lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h.

Outside of work hours, reduced speed limits of 60km/h and 80km/h and single-lane closures will remain in place until the project is finished. Intermittent night work may also occur with traffic lights in operation.

Motorists are advised to drive to conditions, follow the directions of traffic control and signage, and allow up to 10 minutes of extra travel time.

Oversize over-mass vehicles, including farm machinery more than four metres wide, will still be able to travel through the work zone but must contact the site team on UHF Channel 15 during work hours when approaching the area.

Transport for NSW has thanked motorists for their patience while the work is carried out.