Three new overtaking lanes have opened on the Newell Highway, as part of a $261.1 million investment from the state and federal governments, which will see a range of upgrades to this key route.
There are now new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree, and a new northbound lane open at Bellata.
Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, “The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.
“The opening of three new overtaking lanes is an important milestone for this highway upgrade project which will greatly improve the way people move around the state’s north-west.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler added, “The mix of road users travelling on the Newell Highway means it’s not uncommon for faster moving vehicles to come up behind slower moving heavy vehicles or holidaying caravanners.
“The provision of extra overtaking lanes is a vital safety initiative that helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces some of the frustration that can come from not being able to safely pass.”
The works are part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades, which are being delivered in four sections. Remaining activities include:
- the installation of a pedestrian refuge and turning lane, as well as switching on the remaining streetlights at Bellata
- construction of north-west NSW’s largest heavy vehicle rest area north of Narrabri
- improved pavement, culverts and two new overtaking lanes south of Edgeroi.
The project will also upgrade 20 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.
North of Narrabri, traffic has switched over to a recently finished section of new highway, providing a safer and more comfortable drive for motorists.
Along with improving safety, the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades aim to reduce future maintenance requirements and costs, improve the highway’s flood resilience and improve freight productivity and access to the Moree Special Activation Precinct.
Construction on these upgrades began in mid-2022.
The Australian Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of an $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.
“The $1.5 billion we’re investing in the Newell Highway will pay dividends for decades, ensuring this essential transport corridor will serve local motorists and the road freight industry alike,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.