Early works have begun this week on a rest area upgrade project for one of western New South Wales’ important freight routes.
The $1.75 million project will include upgrades to the current Yambie Lagoon Truck Parking Bay on the eastbound side of the Kamilaroi Highway about 60 kilometres east of Brewarrina; along with the construction of a new rest area across the road.
The upgrade to the existing rest area will include installing toilet and shade facilities, bins, picnic tables and extending the parking capacity for both light and heavy vehicles.
A new, similar rest area will also be built directly opposite to the current facility, so rest area access is available to motorists travelling in both directions along this section of highway.
When completed, the rest areas will be about 230 metres in length and capable of accommodating the equivalent of five B-triples at any one time.
Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies said rest areas are important facilities for heavy vehicle drivers as they support health, safety and wellbeing as well as compliance with mandatory rest breaks for fatigue management.
“Transport for NSW is working with the road freight industry to improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops across the state,” Davies said.
“Fatigue is one of the top three contributors to serious heavy vehicle crashes on NSW roads so these improvements will offer drivers a potentially life saving rest stop.
“Currently there are no toilet or rest facilities for more than 120 kilometres – or 75 minutes of travel time – in this remote location.
“I’m sure all motorists are looking forward to taking the opportunity to rest and freshen up before hitting the road again.”
Pavement, signage and line marking work has begun and is expected to take four weeks to complete.
A 40 km/h speed limit will be in place during work hours along a one-kilometre stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway at Yambie Lagoon. Outside work hours the speed limit will be 60 km/h in both directions. The existing rest area will be closed during this work.
Work to install the other facilities will take place later this year, with exact dates yet to be confirmed.
The $1.75 million project is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $1.4 million through its Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and the NSW Government contributing $350,000 via its Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program.