Safety improvements continue to roll out along the Newell Highway under a $59.5 million commitment that will save more lives on the freight backbone of New South Wales.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said work on the next two sections of road being delivered under this safety package includes widening the road shoulders and centreline, and installing rumble strips along the highway, to deliver safer and more efficient journeys for motorists when the projects wrap up by the end of the year.
“These are projects designed to save lives on our roads,” Mr Toole said.
“The Newell Highway is one of the State’s busiest freight corridors, and doing this work will not only help support freight productivity gains, but enable all road users get home sooner and safer to their families.”
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said works were now underway on a2.6-kilometre section between Tocumwal and Finley.
“Upgrades funded under this $59.5 million safety package are critical in preventing motorists from head-on collisions, run-off-road crashes and losing traction on corners, which cost lives every year on the Newell,” Ms Ley said.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said works were also kicking off on a 2.1-kilometre stretch near Gullifers Road south of Forbes.
“These upgrades are part of the Australian Government’s $294.6 million investment across NSW under our $3 billion, nationwide Road Safety Program,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is serious funding for a serious problem –the safety work is also supporting up to 60 jobs during the six-month construction period for both projects, which will provide economic benefits for the local communities.”
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said works are also underway at Dustys Creek and Redbank, both north of Gilgandra, building a safer and more reliable road network in regional NSW.
“I am pleased that lifesaving road safety treatments have commenced north of Gilgandra, ensuring locals, tourists, and truckies arrive at their destination safely,” Mr Coulton said.
“This investment won’t just reduce fatalities; it will also create jobs and boost our local economies as we come back from the pandemic.”
Member of the Legislative Council Sam Farraway said this initiative is another example of the Australian and New South Wales governments working together to build productive infrastructure that the local community and economy need.
“This safety work is on top of the 40 overtaking lanes we’re rolling out along the Newell Highway to deliver time savings of up to 33 minutes between the Victoria and Queensland borders, using local suppliers and businesses where possible to build a safer, more efficient road network,” Mr Farraway said.
“We are powering ahead with road infrastructure projects like this with the appropriate COVID-safe measures in place because we know what a difference they’ll make to regional communities.”
Workdays and hours on week one are between 7am and 6pm from Tuesday to Friday and between 8am and 6pm on the weekends, and on week two between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday, with no work from Friday to Sunday.
Changed traffic conditions will be in place including reduced speed limits of 40 km/h and 60 km/h during work hours, and 80 km/h after hours, which may affect travel times.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
For more information on the projects being delivered by the Newell Highway Program Alliance, visit nswroads.work/nhpa.
