From later this year, there will be changed heavy vehicle access conditions at the Kyeamba Gap rest areas on the Hume Highway, which will impact operators using the site as a decoupling interchange.
Facilities at the two rest areas at Kyeamba Gap are due to be upgraded, with the addition of new and upgraded toilets.
As part of this work, the crossover area between the northbound and southbound carriageways will be permanently closed by installing a median safety barrier.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says the crossover will be removed to eliminate the risk of unsafe vehicle movements in a high-speed area where sight distance is limited.
Closing the crossover will require a change in how the decoupling process is managed when construction work begins.
Work to close the crossover is expected to start in October 2024, before the rest area upgrades start.
Access to the Kyeamba Gap rest areas will also change during each stage of construction.
During the upgrade to the northbound rest area starting in late 2024, the rest area will remain open with portable toilets being installed. This work is expected to be completed in December 2024, weather permitting.
The southbound rest area, which does not currently have any amenities, will be closed from early 2025 while upgrade work to install a new toilet facility, water tank and seating is carried out. This work is expected to take about seven weeks to complete, weather permitting.
The next available southbound rest area with amenities is approximately nine kilometres south at Little Billabong.
Alternative rest areas between Tarcutta and Holbrook include:
- Tarcutta Rest Area
- Glenburn Rest Area
- Little Billabong Rest Area
- Garryowen Rest Area
- Milton Rest Area