The $261.17 million Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade between Narrabri and Moree, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, is now open to traffic.

The opening of the north-west region’s largest heavy vehicle rest area was the final stage of the project.

In addition to the rest area, the project has now delivered more than 20 kilometres of new road pavement, intersection improvements, wider road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes, improving safety and efficiency for all drivers on this key regional route.

The Newell Highway is the longest highway in New South Wales, stretching 1058 kilometres through the state.

As a major interstate connection between Queensland, NSW and Victoria, the corridor is vital for freight movements, connecting local communities and supporting tourism.

Construction on the project started in July 2022, prioritising four sections of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree.

WorkControl Narrabri’s Joe Gunn said the project enabled staff to learn new skills and gain tickets which can easily be transferred across other projects.

“It has been exciting to be part of this project, which has provided significant employment opportunities to over 100 locals employed as part of traffic control over the duration of the project,” he said.

In total, more than 20 kilometres of pavement upgrade, five new overtaking lanes (three northbound and two southbound), upgraded intersections and right turning lanes, improved access to private property and bus stop layouts, upgraded drainage structures, new street lighting, kerb and guttering in Bellata, and construction of a new heavy vehicle rest area 12 kilometres north of Narrabri have been delivered.

During the three years of construction, Transport for NSW regularly engaged with the community, especially during harvest season and wet weather events.

The new rest area located 12 kilometres north of Narrabri.

This included workshops and fatigue campaigns to help drivers slow down, be patient and share the road.

It was also pleasing to participate and support community events and organisations such as Challenge Industries in Narrabri, donating funds generated from recycling initiatives.

Highlights include supporting the Moree community during the 2022 floods, as well as supporting groups such as Miyay Birray Youth Services during their school holiday projects and participating in NAIDOC week activities.

Despite numerous weather events and the challenges of working with black soil, the project team made steady progress across all four priority sections across the project.

A key focus of the project was to support local businesses by sourcing goods and services locally wherever possible, while also prioritising local employment and encouraging Aboriginal participation.

JA Smith Solutions managing director, Justin Smith, said the addition of five new overtaking lanes has made a massive difference on this section of the Newell Highway.

“Our business travels this route most weeks with heavy loads, and we definitely feel much safer now the works have been completed,” he said.

“Having a new, big rest area to stop and stretch the legs, also means a much safer trip for people who are often travelling long distances in this part of the state.”