Truckies to benefit from $17m spend on rest areas along major freight routes

Five new projects have been announced as part of Labor’s $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program (HVRAP).

The projects are a $17 million joint initiative between federal, state and local governments, with the Albanese government contributing over $14 million.

They are funded through the second tranche of the 10-year program, which released details of its first round of spending earlier this month.

The biggest investment will be at the Tycannah rest stops on the Newell Highway at Moree, with $6 million spent on the northbound site and the same on the southbound side.

Northbound the work will upgrade the existing light vehicle minor rest area to cater for heavy vehicles, providing a place for truck drivers to rest.

The project will also include a deceleration access lane, expanded parking for nose to tail heavy vehicle parking, and separated parking for light vehicles and toilets.

Changes on the southside include five additional parking bays, separated light vehicle parking, a male and female accessible toilet block and deceleration lanes to improve access safety. The upgraded rest area will cater for all vehicles and provide a Class 3 rest facility for heavy vehicles.

Hay in NSW is the next biggest winner in the second tranche of money from Labor.

The $3.8 million project will design and construct the Hay heavy vehicle rest area on the Sturt Highway in Hay.

The project will include the design and construction of a 200m x 70m heavy vehicle rest area, building of dedicated slip and turning lanes off the Sturt and Cobb highways, creation of a truck parking area with protection for existing services, and adding shelters, landscaping, and connecting footpaths.

SA also had reason to celebrate with the announcement of a $2.12 million investment in rest areas on the Barrier Highway at Winnininnie and Bindarrah.

This project will upgrade an existing informal rest area and construct a new heavy vehicle rest area at two locations on the Barrier Highway in South Australia.

Both rest areas will include metal shelters and picnic areas, and include space for up to four PBS level 3A vehicles.

The Shire of Pingelly in WA rounded out the list with $356,770 to design and upgrade a light vehicle rest area to a heavy vehicle alternative at Pingelly.

The project will create a formal class 3/4 heavy vehicle rest area where there is currently an informal strip of land and light vehicle rest area. The project will deliver heavy vehicle parking bays, all weather pavement, drainage, solar lighting, seating and shade, amenities and fencing.

“By investing in much-needed rest stops, we will ensure that our truckies spend less time on the roads and get home safely to their loved ones,” said Federal Assistant Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Senator for Tasmania Carol Brown.

“I would like to thank the HVRA steering committee for their work in identifying these strategic projects that are essential for the safety of all road users.”